tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44715766196618583862017-11-14T07:17:28.819-08:00These Pilgrim DaysThis world is not our home...Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-58460173338579586402017-10-19T08:34:00.000-07:002017-10-20T06:19:23.959-07:00When You Feel Like You Don't Like Your KidI just wanted to say this to all the mommas out there who may be going through a phase where they...frankly speaking...don't feel like they like their kid as much as they used to.&nbsp; I mean, we still LOVE our kids and care for them, but there are times and seasons and stages that are just more prickly or exhausting or unattractive. If I think back, I bet I was in that stage in 6th grade...I remember overhearing my mom describe me as "moody" to a friend who asked her if I was still my sunny self. I remember my 6th grade teacher gently but sternly confronting me..."What's going on with you?" and I can think of specific unattractive things I did...yikes, let's not go there. This is my blog, so I call the shots.<br /><br />A few years ago, I'd say for most of Sam's 4th grade year, I struggled with him. Maybe it was because he wasn't my cute little sidekick with the Charlie Brown head and lispy voice anymore, and the fact that he declared he was totally "over" the whole Disney Cars thing.&nbsp; Waah!&nbsp; Here is evidence of the former cuteness:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oHnSIqEeNlA?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />He got big and addicted to Minecraft and started doing more sneaky things and his own perception of himself was not really based on reality.&nbsp; He would vacillate dramatically between thinking he could do everything perfectly and then wanting to throw himself in front of a car because he was "the worst kid in the world." I still loved him, you see, and I can definitely think of really fond and proud moments over that time period, but I often struggled with not liking him very much. In actuality, my irritation probably had a lot more to do with the lack of control I felt I had over him now that he was older more than anything he specifically did, but I'm just being honest about the dynamic. Things had changed and I didn't love the new stage we were in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OA_fUGhtgvc/Wei60uoWtuI/AAAAAAABfZQ/Bne7rzVaxJc3qUHyVGA8biG_J23Vk4X9gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OA_fUGhtgvc/Wei60uoWtuI/AAAAAAABfZQ/Bne7rzVaxJc3qUHyVGA8biG_J23Vk4X9gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;We lived with our international roommates that year, and I remember thinking it would be fun to ask them what phrase each of us Lundgrens said the most--like, "If you could imitate each one of us, what would you say?"--and then realizing sadly that mine would probably be "SAMUEL!" (think "ALVIN!" in your mind and that would be kind of what it sounded like). (I actually did ask them later and they said it was me saying "Shhh!" to try to keep the kids from bothering them in the morning...so the thing I was doing to try to be polite was actually the thing that was annoying them behind their closed bedroom doors. Lessons learned. Okay, that was a tangent).<br /><br />But here is the good part of the story. All stages come and go. Kids change and we as moms change. So if you are in an unattractive or particularly challenging phase with one of your kids, I just want to encourage you. I sent this smart, creative, enthusiastic, thankful kid off to school today dressed as a greaser from The Outsiders. It is so much fun being able to talk about books I love with him, and to discuss themes and character development together. He seems finally able to understand that his homework is HIS and that it feels good to do well. He makes really funny jokes and is a great helper around the house. He has friends that are his own and he can ride his bike to football practice and can do way more situps than me (I actually discovered that I can't do a single sit up.&nbsp; Not even one. I can crunch like a boss but I would fail Illinois P.E.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MccEVG70iXQ/Wei9tQlJplI/AAAAAAABfZc/GRAK-GIEzXYkk7u5na_xZD1HXIDYl5MWQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MccEVG70iXQ/Wei9tQlJplI/AAAAAAABfZc/GRAK-GIEzXYkk7u5na_xZD1HXIDYl5MWQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3644.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, besides his growing independence, maturity, and responsibility, he still has a child-likeness and sweetness...in fact, I would say that it has grown this last year as he has become more comfortable with himself and able to better empathize with others.&nbsp; He wants to hold my hand or still have me read to him. He is sweet to Annie and talks in funny voices while pretending to be her toys.&nbsp; He and Evan...well, that's a work in progress...maybe because Evan is at the stage where Sam used to be when he was more prickly. And maybe because Brothers. They bring me back to the story of Cain and Abel often, like daily.&nbsp; But Sam and the sweetness--last week, I took the kids to a pumpkin patch with my sister's kids, and Sam pushed the stroller and played with them and seemed to find such joy in being their older cousin.&nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvFCK_mp1lQ/Wei_5jMxtqI/AAAAAAABfZk/S7xxT-b1qJEeIIRHFA65qM3iunv5JoX9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvFCK_mp1lQ/Wei_5jMxtqI/AAAAAAABfZk/S7xxT-b1qJEeIIRHFA65qM3iunv5JoX9QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7306.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sam, let's go do the corn maze!" "Aw, okay...but can I play here with Nathan some more, first?" Cue melting heart.</td></tr></tbody></table>So...I'm just sharing this as an encouragement (and maybe to relieve anyone who was around me during the "SAMUEL!" year) that we made it through. Sam of course still has his rough edges and immaturities--I mean, he has been brushing his teeth in the morning for, oh, 9 years now, and he still acts as if he is being told new information when he has to go back and do it before I'll take him to school (after I reminded him no less than three (3) times before that point). But letting go of the way things used to be and starting to look toward the person he is becoming is a freeing and refreshing stage in which to be. I've realized that I am guilty of hoarding--trying to cling to all the young stages of my kids and the special little things they used to do was making me unable to enjoy and have space for the new ones. I'm trying to do that less. I'm training myself not give in to unhealthy amounts of nostalgia and the temptation to bemoan how fast they are growing up; those frames of mind only steal the new moments I am being given daily.&nbsp; And remembering how goofy and messed up I was (and still am), and that Sam is his whole own person with his whole own story to tell and his whole own special relationship with the God who made him and is guiding his steps is a comforting frame of mind to settle into.<br /><br />***<br />Here is the pinnacle of Sam's cuteness, for the grandparents and Anyone Else who may be so inclined:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/taYgR541kJg?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-89136113875526602712017-08-21T14:36:00.002-07:002017-08-21T14:41:02.019-07:00Eclipse 2017: Cloudy With a Chance of Burnt Eyeballs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, call me stubborn, but when the school district decided that the kids couldn't watch the eclipse at school, I got a little more into it than I might have otherwise. &nbsp;In an effort to use up ingredients in my kitchen and not have to go to the grocery store, I accidentally made themed dinner the night before the eclipse:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pIAXAmpVgY/WZtAiyTnj8I/AAAAAAABfSA/_g35DDWlb8QjYbJj7UbW-m1SDx3I0kYfACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pIAXAmpVgY/WZtAiyTnj8I/AAAAAAABfSA/_g35DDWlb8QjYbJj7UbW-m1SDx3I0kYfACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3364.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look, planet pancakes and sun eggs! &nbsp;And I didn't even plan it!" (ba dum crash)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />&nbsp;And then when my neighbor across the street asked if we could watch together and share our solar sunglasses (which we got from a teacher who had to cancel her eclipse-viewing plans), I got a little more into it and made little goody bags.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T84PfyCdTdA/WZtAi-RW9aI/AAAAAAABfR8/7Rt3sPnjxsIUuQRNpOrvAYPIWeoNj0JogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T84PfyCdTdA/WZtAi-RW9aI/AAAAAAABfR8/7Rt3sPnjxsIUuQRNpOrvAYPIWeoNj0JogCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;We took the kids out of school at lunch time and came home for Sun Chips and crescent roll sandwiches.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXYrWzEr4So/WZtAi_OFLmI/AAAAAAABfSE/8d6H5LHQTfIxEfYICO65FcYQuTgLTO1gQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXYrWzEr4So/WZtAi_OFLmI/AAAAAAABfSE/8d6H5LHQTfIxEfYICO65FcYQuTgLTO1gQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3369.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We watched through cloudy skies and actually saw a lot more of the action than I had thought we would when I saw the weather forecast. &nbsp;I wasn't sure what I thought about the eclipse glasses, but I was glad that we had them.</div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_s4fgCWVM5I/WZtAk5SquWI/AAAAAAABfSI/AwYBwRnfQUwWzXbZ0c-MHIvXvOQTWDOUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_s4fgCWVM5I/WZtAk5SquWI/AAAAAAABfSI/AwYBwRnfQUwWzXbZ0c-MHIvXvOQTWDOUACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3373.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><br />But we enjoyed our homemade cardboard box viewer just as much! &nbsp;I was sad that the heavy cloud cover kept us from seeing the crescent-shaped sun shadows and reduced the effect of the growing darkness (since it was kind of gloomy to start with)...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7OEZLDE9UE/WZtAkxwqlNI/AAAAAAABfSM/qBnVgoOSxdwKdXLIN-dT22UKIIseSNUzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7OEZLDE9UE/WZtAkxwqlNI/AAAAAAABfSM/qBnVgoOSxdwKdXLIN-dT22UKIIseSNUzQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3376.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7OEZLDE9UE/WZtAkxwqlNI/AAAAAAABfSM/qBnVgoOSxdwKdXLIN-dT22UKIIseSNUzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7OEZLDE9UE/WZtAkxwqlNI/AAAAAAABfSM/qBnVgoOSxdwKdXLIN-dT22UKIIseSNUzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0dSi3_HF-rw/WZtAnEWTo-I/AAAAAAABfSc/mhj3HKn_wmEi_USriyPOo_lbaH5J7-8wACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0dSi3_HF-rw/WZtAnEWTo-I/AAAAAAABfSc/mhj3HKn_wmEi_USriyPOo_lbaH5J7-8wACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3378.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><br />...but we were amazed by the crickets starting to chirp and night birds starting to sing. &nbsp;We even think the flowers closed a bit.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2Iua3-9loM/WZtAlZpeZuI/AAAAAAABfSQ/FTTVyOWZn_QxvlHfgc-KsvYEalwBWsA7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2Iua3-9loM/WZtAlZpeZuI/AAAAAAABfSQ/FTTVyOWZn_QxvlHfgc-KsvYEalwBWsA7gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the "Proof that I was there also" photo. &nbsp;I really should not be allowed to take selfies, as I am so horrible at them.</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;The cloud cover actually created the perfect filter for us to watch the eclipse with our naked eyes a lot throughout the day (don't tell the authorities that we did that).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCQf0YjRgvM/WZtAmYSdSBI/AAAAAAABfSU/x8yQRnAhIE4mzXXpIybWT2_abOanmDTDgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCQf0YjRgvM/WZtAmYSdSBI/AAAAAAABfSU/x8yQRnAhIE4mzXXpIybWT2_abOanmDTDgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3382.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd9UF9glvsA/WZtAnIIujiI/AAAAAAABfSY/XZapndE4Ozs6ODX9dudQA_NkX8GkI9WegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd9UF9glvsA/WZtAnIIujiI/AAAAAAABfSY/XZapndE4Ozs6ODX9dudQA_NkX8GkI9WegCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3383.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGMWFjYCTDw/WZtAos53EnI/AAAAAAABfSs/s2ZkkK8UvxAV7xVC_nC6k64zA2Yz8AP6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGMWFjYCTDw/WZtAos53EnI/AAAAAAABfSs/s2ZkkK8UvxAV7xVC_nC6k64zA2Yz8AP6QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmRRKVWYRuw/WZtAnk2mbHI/AAAAAAABfSg/2jWNHGqBPXU_ea8OSN6GXdfG0BKeKacMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmRRKVWYRuw/WZtAnk2mbHI/AAAAAAABfSg/2jWNHGqBPXU_ea8OSN6GXdfG0BKeKacMQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XuI7HuabH1E/WZtAoC2mueI/AAAAAAABfSk/l7DMxtEkOAkA4HJwAubdOOOd9dX8SxS7wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XuI7HuabH1E/WZtAoC2mueI/AAAAAAABfSk/l7DMxtEkOAkA4HJwAubdOOOd9dX8SxS7wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, I possess a lot of skills but selfie-taking is not one of them.</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;After the eclipse had mostly come and gone, my across the street neighbor came out and asked if they had missed it--she had fallen asleep with the baby and her sweet kids let her sleep instead of waking her up! &nbsp;Thankfully, they were still able to catch the end of the eclipse with the official eclipse glasses and the unfortunate-looking cardboard box. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pC-5RhGsWyE/WZtOQBW9JSI/AAAAAAABfTQ/-xEmBq9Rjj8dcyRVJx7AkIKiD3w3Ecv_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3397%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pC-5RhGsWyE/WZtOQBW9JSI/AAAAAAABfTQ/-xEmBq9Rjj8dcyRVJx7AkIKiD3w3Ecv_QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3397%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though we weren't in the path of totality, and the weather didn't cooperate, and our driveway party was pretty small, it still was full of wonder. &nbsp;Nothing compares to hearing things like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxBi7x_E2lNbKeMMlOt2AiitPciWhIAbgMc6_It2ibMqIvoBccZCcocOKXbbNf0jTRzhhvkKa8YwcxHfin2_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think teachers teach in order to hear moments like this. &nbsp;It's too bad that perceived but manageable risk suppressed wonder and curiosity and memory-making. &nbsp;Jeremy's words regarding the strange fear that seemed to develop overnight about this natural wonder hit the spot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">A major part of education for children is learning about and experiencing the world that they live in. It is a world with dangers and wonders. Therefore, it is also a world that should be lived in with wisdom.&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">A solar eclipse is an amazing and rare event. Certainly the temptation to look directly at the sun during an eclipse increases, but students could be instructed and trained about the temptation. They could be educated about how to behave during an eclipse. They could be extended appropriate measures of trust and oversight in order to be outside, under the heavens, during such an awe-inspiring event. Instead, they are being deprived of such a unique experience. They are also being deprived of an opportunity to gain wisdom about how to responsibly foster curiosity and learning during this event.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Regarding the specifics of being outside during a solar eclipse, there is more to experience than simply looking at the sun, something you rightly warn against. However, there is a lot going on outside during an eclipse, a lot of other places for children’s eyes to go. The lighting changes, the other side of the sky darkens, strange shadows and colors emerge, silhouettes of the eclipse can be seen. Yet, our children will be kept inside because of one small spot of danger (which is also the source of all the surrounding beauty). In my opinion, this manner of managing our students during the eclipse fosters fear instead of courage and superstition instead of wisdom."</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But more importantly, the true awe and wonder of such a day like today are summed up much better in the Psalms: &nbsp;"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork" and "Praise the Lord! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him all you shining stars!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-8051234394758944722017-03-01T10:25:00.000-08:002017-03-01T10:25:27.724-08:00A Different Kind of Beach Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0c9yLv2KZI/V55P1f9z0dI/AAAAAAABetU/_BPiiXpyq9IdlPusJPCPqs9gjy17YwcKQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0c9yLv2KZI/V55P1f9z0dI/AAAAAAABetU/_BPiiXpyq9IdlPusJPCPqs9gjy17YwcKQCLcB/s400/IMG_1175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAfSZRMhPpg/V55P1vQ6mMI/AAAAAAABetY/avSpdBeAcCM4ahGSLU3rp-SbML-u-z1BACLcB/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAfSZRMhPpg/V55P1vQ6mMI/AAAAAAABetY/avSpdBeAcCM4ahGSLU3rp-SbML-u-z1BACLcB/s400/IMG_1176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3Gg6CTQlw0/V55P11yqmOI/AAAAAAABetc/NTT_0D5QPYUi8bqRZyGw6EzXsI8CDle0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3Gg6CTQlw0/V55P11yqmOI/AAAAAAABetc/NTT_0D5QPYUi8bqRZyGw6EzXsI8CDle0ACLcB/s400/IMG_1177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKKYZVFRgMU/V55P2exv1AI/AAAAAAABetg/e_gTZVFJ-E4sfCcbgqwkDQ4UDSP4rBodQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKKYZVFRgMU/V55P2exv1AI/AAAAAAABetg/e_gTZVFJ-E4sfCcbgqwkDQ4UDSP4rBodQCLcB/s400/IMG_1185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrh2ovqYyes/V55P3rTVOjI/AAAAAAABeto/Q6eSySQf83QnD_hZKrsApkWUXOSUgfQpQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrh2ovqYyes/V55P3rTVOjI/AAAAAAABeto/Q6eSySQf83QnD_hZKrsApkWUXOSUgfQpQCLcB/s400/IMG_1186.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tymvDeXD5rc/V55P3VZa5VI/AAAAAAABetk/zFfkJ9IjRLsuHGeEErvw8KbCQCWplR0nACLcB/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tymvDeXD5rc/V55P3VZa5VI/AAAAAAABetk/zFfkJ9IjRLsuHGeEErvw8KbCQCWplR0nACLcB/s400/IMG_1187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2Gd5ZwZo0A/V55P3xwi9oI/AAAAAAABets/EDVJS3dAX6YRwVYaC1TkI8llDeDPJ-BwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2Gd5ZwZo0A/V55P3xwi9oI/AAAAAAABets/EDVJS3dAX6YRwVYaC1TkI8llDeDPJ-BwwCLcB/s400/IMG_1188.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4PW_5hh5I0/V55P4P-5I4I/AAAAAAABetw/OeS5SJbiLuIGmIJWXgyd-AjlWR5YCY4TgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4PW_5hh5I0/V55P4P-5I4I/AAAAAAABetw/OeS5SJbiLuIGmIJWXgyd-AjlWR5YCY4TgCLcB/s400/IMG_1191.JPG" width="400" /></a><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz2fhoHpNVV5Y9m3wEnAFO-Fud9Zwcb1NkdAlKr94FQH2QxRYY1hujY6bha3Uu2QZc_mMxbt13UhOFuKC2pKA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-86401227642793233562017-02-28T14:58:00.002-08:002017-02-28T14:58:40.297-08:00A SnapshotJeremy said he likes my blog posts. &nbsp;I've been trying to get up earlier to make better use of my mornings for the physical (running) and spiritual (reading the Bible, listening to sermons/podcasts, music) parts of my life. &nbsp;I've been following the blog of a lady who challenged herself to blog every day (<a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/preventingrace/" target="_blank">Preventing Grace</a>&nbsp;--and the podcast by the same name is great, too). &nbsp;I am giving up Facebook for Lent, a practice I have never really participated in, but feel as though could be humbling and point my thoughts more often to Jesus--the only source of true peace and joy for me in this broken and confused (and often wonderful) world. &nbsp;So I am sitting down here to write, and hopefully more often.<br /><br />A snapshot of life right now: &nbsp;Evan is playing WiiU with a friend downstairs (in our half-basement that's not really a basement...still sad that I am living in the MidWest without an actual basement) after I laid down the law and told them they had to play Legos or something else "real" for the first hour and then they could do electronics for the last 45ish minutes. &nbsp;And, for the record, they played Legos for 4 extra minutes without realizing their electronics restriction was over, so there. &nbsp;His friend is sweet, and I love his family, so yay! &nbsp;Evan has had a slower time really connecting here and finding friends that are easy to have over regularly. &nbsp;So I am glad. He still does really odd things like starts reading a book or sitting in the bathroom for 20 minutes while his friends awkwardly wander around the house, so I really can't blame them for not coming over all the time. &nbsp;We're working on it. &nbsp;He still just really loves his best friend in CA and has a hard time opening his heart fully to the boys here. <br /><br />Annie is off at a newer friend's house--they actually live pretty close but there is a busy street in-between so that limits their ability to go spontaneously to each other's houses. &nbsp;This friend loves gymnastics as much as Annie and is really sweet. &nbsp;Annie has met some great friends, and we have really enjoyed hosting her made-up "Fun Club" on Tuesday afternoons...she and the neighbor girl made flyers and invited some girls to come to a club and it has really taken off. &nbsp;Those same girls ended up agreeing to put together a song for the school's Talent Show, which was on Friday night. &nbsp;We did "The Hard Knock Life" from Annie, of course. &nbsp;They were the cutest little orphans and I loved getting to know all the orphan moms (ironic, I know) in the process. &nbsp;They got the Vice Principal to play Miss Hannigan and it was really cute.<br /><br />Sam stayed after middle school to work on a weather station...er...something...electronic...with a computer? &nbsp;I don't even know. &nbsp;I ask about it and he talks about it, but all I hear is "blah blah blah." I really can't comprehend techie stuff. &nbsp;Sam is not an athlete but is loving band, jazz band, and academic extra-curricular activities. &nbsp;He is making this weather thing (called a Raspberry Pie) with some other great fun and creative friends he has and I love that he has connected so well. &nbsp;He got to walk home with one friend afterwards and he will eat dinner there and then they will take the boys to Boy Scouts. &nbsp;I never thought I would have a Boy Scout, but he got to spend last weekend exploring and camping in a cave, so that's awesome. &nbsp;Just don't get me started on the popcorn he has to sell.<br /><br />Jeremy is finishing up class and stuff and whatever it is he does at Wheaton College for the day. &nbsp;He actually does a lot of reading and writing at home because his study carrel is quite small and shared with another student and home is much more comfortable. &nbsp;He is currently redoing our terrible pink bathroom and it's been a fun project with rotted wood, mold, carpenter ants and a disasterous DIY epoxy sink nightmare, and tiling, which he has never done before. &nbsp;All on a low budget. &nbsp;He asks for a lot of back massages from the kids at the end of the day. &nbsp;It's looking good.<br /><br />I subbed today--doing reading with second language learners and then being a one-on-one aide for a boy with some health problems at my own kids' school. &nbsp;I loved today. &nbsp;Some days are a little trying (like 5th grade and 8th grade) but I am really enjoying being back in the classroom. &nbsp;Then, in just a few minutes, we are off to dinner at a Phd family's house, and then on to a prayer time for Wheaton Phd women (spouses and students) at one of the professor's houses. &nbsp;Tomorrow I will clean the house like a mad woman in order to get ready for the weekly Bible study we host here--during which I feed homemade dinner to half the singles from our church and some brave families as well.<br /><br />So it's a good life. &nbsp;And that's what it is.<br /><br />Until next time! &nbsp;Paka (bye in Russian, because today I got to work with a boy from Uzbekistan and I loved it)!Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-27335545702277310042016-11-06T07:28:00.001-08:002016-11-07T06:26:32.376-08:00The Making of a Cubs FanLast week, I had the opportunity to be a spectator at one of the greatest moments in sports history. I wasn't at the stadium in Cleveland or on the street in Wrigleyville, and I wasn't even wearing any Cubs paraphernalia. I was just a Californian who happened to be living in Chicagoland during the momentous year of the curse-breaking, World-Series-winning 2016 Chicago Cubs. This is what it was like to watch the people around me watch this series...which won my heart for the Cubs, and for the community and city around me.<br /><br />A year ago, I didn't know why there were basic white t-shirts bearing a large blue W on sale at every checkout line at the grocery store. &nbsp;I thought maybe it stood for Wisconsin--maybe a university in Wisconsin--but I couldn't figure out why it was so important. &nbsp;Upon exploring our area, I found a large restaurant near the mall called Harry Carays and wondered why a restaurant would be named after the form of suicide reserved for a samurai. At our first Bible study at our new church, a guy hypothesized that the essence of hopefulness is displayed most fully in a Cubs fan, and then mentioned something about a goat and a cat and a guy named Bartman. &nbsp;A few months ago, we pet-sat some frogs named Rizzo and Bryant and I could not remember their names because they seemed so un-froglike. &nbsp;Just a few weeks ago, one of my kids' teachers referenced the song that would be played if the Cubs won that night, and I wondered what could be so special about a song at a baseball staduim. I definitely didn't know the answer to the question: "Hey Chicago, whaddya say?" I've been a baseball fan before, but the Angels are a baby team compared to the Cubs. For my non-Chicago friends who might be as clueless as I was, here's the a little rundown of all the traditions I have become acquainted with this October.<br /><br />The simple blue W on a white background stands for "The W" which is a flag that is hoisted up a mast-like pole at Wrigley field in the event of a Cubs win (no one talks about the "L" flag that can be flown on the opposite side of the mast...hmm, I wonder why). &nbsp;People all around fly them in their yards and wear them as shirts and hold them up in the stadium. &nbsp;It's called "flying the W." &nbsp;It seemed sort of silly to me when I first learned of it, but watching that little flag raise over Wrigley field at the end of Game 5 of the World Series was pretty significant. &nbsp;Of course, since its Cubs fans we're dealing with here, there are all kinds of beliefs and superstitions surrounding the proper flying of the W, but I will not claim to understand them or try to explain them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osajWXnFIhU/WB9H_KCrs8I/AAAAAAABe_Y/V8dzmatKhH8vh6RShKBuucoQ28I_Kd26QCLcB/s1600/mlb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osajWXnFIhU/WB9H_KCrs8I/AAAAAAABe_Y/V8dzmatKhH8vh6RShKBuucoQ28I_Kd26QCLcB/s320/mlb4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2o02SYjmQFc/WB9H_HR1DpI/AAAAAAABe_U/i-vuknu8bMUXNdYd-fGbErK_Qkv4OG1sgCLcB/s1600/mlb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2o02SYjmQFc/WB9H_HR1DpI/AAAAAAABe_U/i-vuknu8bMUXNdYd-fGbErK_Qkv4OG1sgCLcB/s320/mlb5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The name Harry Caray is that of a famous long-time announcer at Wrigley field. He passed away in 1998, but his face and thick, black-rimmed glasses are iconic in this area. He sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch at home games. When Eddie Vedder sang during Game 5, he harmonized with the recorded version of Harry singing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY2nZHNbYH8/WB9INI2z9PI/AAAAAAABe_c/j4fR_UcekGQeWWzIZxPnsezYxrXHLhCBACLcB/s1600/mlb6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY2nZHNbYH8/WB9INI2z9PI/AAAAAAABe_c/j4fR_UcekGQeWWzIZxPnsezYxrXHLhCBACLcB/s320/mlb6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CRgzCmyRdw/WB85G4jqeJI/AAAAAAABe-c/kzC9Lqzxz4Y4dZBHmimAkukNp16ZmKX_ACEw/s1600/mlbharry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CRgzCmyRdw/WB85G4jqeJI/AAAAAAABe-c/kzC9Lqzxz4Y4dZBHmimAkukNp16ZmKX_ACEw/s400/mlbharry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Courtney (who I know from Flagstaff, but was coincidentally born in Lombard) told me the apples are because Harry Caray was quoted as saying "Sure as God made green apples...someday the Chicago Cubs are going to be in the World Series."</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Cubs have been plagued by a curse or other strange distractions throughout their long history. &nbsp;You can look them up and already might have if you were remotely interested in the World Series. &nbsp;I knew nothing of them...but now I understand their references and have even eaten at the Billy Goat Tavern downtown (business establishment owned by the man who was asked to leave Wrigley field during Game 4 of the 1945 World Series because he had brought a live goat into the stadium. &nbsp;He then "cursed" the team and they began to play poorly and the rest is history.)<br /><br />Rizzo and Bryant are now names and faces I recognize, along with many more. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqBLxkuFToA/WB9IsZXgUoI/AAAAAAABe_g/_E7m5yWPc3cRSajas3Chtq37fYxpiwSZwCLcB/s1600/4-1-bryant-rizzo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqBLxkuFToA/WB9IsZXgUoI/AAAAAAABe_g/_E7m5yWPc3cRSajas3Chtq37fYxpiwSZwCLcB/s320/4-1-bryant-rizzo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />For those who have never lived in Chicago, I wanted to give you a little glimpse into what this Cubs World Series experience has been like. Because my gracious, native-Chicagoan friends have let me into their world, I can say now that I am a fan--but compared to them, I am like in the crush stage...and if it is love, then they are in a life-long committed (and slightly abusive, I'd wager) relationship with this team that has traditionally broken their hearts every October. <br /><br />Watching the roller coaster ride of the World Series impacted me in surprising ways. &nbsp;It has been more about watching the people who are watching the Cubs than actually watching the Cubs (though they were pretty awesome and I see why my friend, Sherry, tells me she just wants to make a big pot of chili and take it to them in the dugout). &nbsp;The unlikely victory of this team who are known as the Lovable Losers was about so much more than yearbook or movie predictions or a billy goat or, as the media would like us to think, stats and management. &nbsp;The experience was so human--so much more about connections and community than breaking a curse.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KarTord3vM/WB9JwzA1gnI/AAAAAAABe_s/2AiZWxQ_qhUUGYEs4UCYsNc1L9uox--AQCLcB/s1600/ap_world_series_cubs_parade_baseball_86472722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KarTord3vM/WB9JwzA1gnI/AAAAAAABe_s/2AiZWxQ_qhUUGYEs4UCYsNc1L9uox--AQCLcB/s400/ap_world_series_cubs_parade_baseball_86472722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />It's hard to describe what Cubs fans are like (and many baseball fans are like this, to some degree)--but they are definitely superstitious. &nbsp;Every Cubs fan thinks that where they are sitting or what they are doing directly affects the outcomes and momentum on the field. &nbsp;My friend in Phoenix thought the Cubs started losing their lead in the 8th inning because she got up to get her daughter from youth group. They are almost in pain watching the games--that's why I called it a slightly abusive relationship. &nbsp;When the score was tied up in the 8th inning, the fun party we were at came to an abrupt halt. Normally friendly and gracious people left without explanation, started cleaning furiously and moving furniture. &nbsp;We realized the party was over and scurried out the door before anyone burst into tears. &nbsp;In the car, I said to Jeremy, "But they haven't lost, they could even still win. &nbsp;I don't know why everyone gave up." A friend later described the despair by saying, "You know how it felt in the 8th inning when they lost the big lead they had? That's how it has been our whole lives--that feeling...except they don't win. You come to expect it."<br /><br />And that's just it. &nbsp;These fans have been brought to the brink and then let down for generations. &nbsp;They walk around in mourning, get distracted by the holidays, and then start to have a glimmer of hope as the next season starts in the spring. &nbsp;That's why their unofficial slogan was Maybe Next Year. &nbsp;There is nothing like the emotionality and endearing hopefulness of a Cubs fan. A tweet after the game ended said "Congratulations! Cubs win! Too bad all their fans died during the 8th inning."<br /><br />But the sense of connection between all the fans and generations of fans that have been loyal to their Cubbies for the last century was what won my heart as I watched this series unfold. At game 5, the last game at Wrigley Field, as the stands erupted in singing "Go Cubs, Go!" after their exciting win that kept their World Series dreams alive, I was struck by a sign being held high by a middle-aged man that read "This is for Grandpa."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhp9OiuY9Fo/WB85GsgeiZI/AAAAAAABe-c/9WJCQwcH2GsmovG-HIKPcg7siLOX-GABgCEw/s1600/mlbf_1210335183_th_45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhp9OiuY9Fo/WB85GsgeiZI/AAAAAAABe-c/9WJCQwcH2GsmovG-HIKPcg7siLOX-GABgCEw/s320/mlbf_1210335183_th_45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;After the game, fans began writing family members and friends' names on the bricks outside the stadium--people who had not lived to see this moment and who were being missed in this moment by the ones who had come. Tearful fans passed nubs of chalk to other waiting, emotionally overcome fans.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGJ5aMYgQiA/WB9DQJ7TqDI/AAAAAAABe_E/wbwLvpWv7SEL6q0kU5PfMbuBXHNZcaIFwCLcB/s1600/mlb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGJ5aMYgQiA/WB9DQJ7TqDI/AAAAAAABe_E/wbwLvpWv7SEL6q0kU5PfMbuBXHNZcaIFwCLcB/s400/mlb3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />On social media and around my community, I saw young people who could have been out partying it up with their friends instead watching with their grandmas and grandpas, or weeping because someone wasn't here to enjoy the moment with them. Jeremy has laughed at me a few times this week as he's caught me listening to sports radio (which I would never normally do)...but it's because all the show hosts seem to want to do is have people call in and tell their Cubs stories. Like the 94-year-old woman whose brothers went to a Cubs game first thing after they returned from WWII. Or the many who listened to games on the radio with their grandparents. One friend (though I'm sure he's not the only one) comes from a family whose grandma was buried in her Cubs jersey. He drove all the way to Cleveland for Game 7 in a borrowed car and paid for what turned out to be a counterfeit ticket...and then miraculously was GIVEN a free ticket at the last moment from a man who said, "Baseball is the greatest game in the world. This is the World Series. You deserve to be in there. Go have fun." The sense of family connection held by the fans was on display and I can honestly say that there has been something so special about being able to watch these stories up close.<br /><br />There have been W flags and Cubs gear left at gravesites in cemeteries.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLZt1EvZ7T0/WB85GmssVZI/AAAAAAABe-c/vrxHU25_UhAOuY35Wm1BSdVGJtTxX_TAgCEw/s1600/mlb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLZt1EvZ7T0/WB85GmssVZI/AAAAAAABe-c/vrxHU25_UhAOuY35Wm1BSdVGJtTxX_TAgCEw/s400/mlb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOh7cCXfNfc/WB9Mq6lcquI/AAAAAAABe_4/J-JESqzejPk34LP3J0QoTFlezY64hY2sgCLcB/s1600/mlb7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOh7cCXfNfc/WB9Mq6lcquI/AAAAAAABe_4/J-JESqzejPk34LP3J0QoTFlezY64hY2sgCLcB/s320/mlb7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From twitter:&nbsp;<span style="font-size: large;">94 year-old WWII vet and lifelong&nbsp;</span><a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link js-nav" data-mentioned-user-id="41144996" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/Cubs" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0099ff; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: 0.26px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">@Cubs</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #292f33; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: 0.26px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fan. He gets to celebrate with tears of joy tonight </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0099ff; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: 0.26px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#WorldSeries</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />&nbsp;There was a man who drove all day from North Carolina to Indiana to listen to the game at his father's grave, who died in 1980, but they promised they would listen to the game together if the Cubs went all the way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHmc8v20UIY/WB85GixCeUI/AAAAAAABe-c/1BHa42uVOek2889E7CC-tARFmOryEMV1ACEw/s1600/mlb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHmc8v20UIY/WB85GixCeUI/AAAAAAABe-c/1BHa42uVOek2889E7CC-tARFmOryEMV1ACEw/s400/mlb2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Our friend and neighbor who painted the Cubs logo on his and other's lawns and shot his civil war cannon off in jubilation at the Cubs victory (maybe it was just fireworks but it sure sounded like it) was proudest to have watched the game with his mom--his wife said mother and son had rarely missed watching a game together since he was a little boy.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlqSHL2wVl8/WB85CjXPAhI/AAAAAAABe-I/7BTfLSMz2L0NQrc7RNn4qv3PpIkPbhTogCLcB/s1600/14889868_10207201202695061_7759451048515331467_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlqSHL2wVl8/WB85CjXPAhI/AAAAAAABe-I/7BTfLSMz2L0NQrc7RNn4qv3PpIkPbhTogCLcB/s400/14889868_10207201202695061_7759451048515331467_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(See the cannon off to the right?)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tv2xpcBgFWg/WB99bG_MM0I/AAAAAAABfA4/IOjjnHv8nIsidpUzvOPadQwQTBDE12wYQCLcB/s1600/14925729_10211232342068027_8690753239596666086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tv2xpcBgFWg/WB99bG_MM0I/AAAAAAABfA4/IOjjnHv8nIsidpUzvOPadQwQTBDE12wYQCLcB/s400/14925729_10211232342068027_8690753239596666086_n.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Ellen's grandma, who turns 94 tomorrow. &nbsp;She says she's been holding out for the Cubs to win the World Series. &nbsp;Ellen rushed over there the day after the final game to bring her a Cubs cupcake and flowers and to talk to her about making a new goal...maybe a repeat win in 2017!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Because our Cubs-watching party ended so abruptly, we went home as a family and I put the kids to bed with the radio on to hear the rest of the game. The rain delay meant that they fell asleep before hearing the celebrations, but I guess we were forging our own family connectedness as Cubs fans because we experienced it intimately, as a family. Evan, who has had the hardest time accepting Chicago as his home (even though he is mostly happy in his day-to-day life), decided to root for the Indians because he couldn't root for the Cubbies; he had been harassed by some older boys a few months ago for wearing an Angels hat and I think he couldn't bear to join with Chicago fans for fear of losing his CA identity. Even though he's the baseball-lover of our family, he wasn't enjoying the experience as he could have. He was stubborn and alone as his school was decked out in Cubbies gear and his friends were talking about the games. The day of Game 7, my mom sent him an article about how Joe Madden (the Cubs manager) always carries an Angels hat with him--a keepsake of his dad's that is near to his heart, and a reminder of when he used to be an Angels coach. With just a few minutes until we were supposed to leave for our Game 7 party, he got a white shirt and made his own Cubs gear and cheered his heart out, sleeping in it that night and wearing it proudly to school the next day. I guess that's how Cubs fans are made...straight to the heart through personal connections, not statistics and probability.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPwab3WwVn4/WB9B92GDsVI/AAAAAAABe-o/6CigPMg9q24YSWFRax2z1zGWLJvdjZ6-QCEw/s1600/IMG_1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPwab3WwVn4/WB9B92GDsVI/AAAAAAABe-o/6CigPMg9q24YSWFRax2z1zGWLJvdjZ6-QCEw/s320/IMG_1690.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Ultimately, though, my favorite part about watching the Cubs fans watch their Cubbies win has been the sense of human connectedness that's been on display. There's something unifying in a community when people are drawn together by a common love--signs up in windows, Go Cubs! being used as a salutation, conversations at school after each game, talking about common experiences. I love watching the videos of people celebrating--they are reaching out for any hand to high-five or squeeze, they are hugging complete strangers. They are running towards each other in the street. My kids are singing "Go Cubs Go" with total joy with their friends. On the night of the final victory, neighbors who often don't speak were coming out their front doors just to experience the moment with someone else. Even though the game ended more than days ago, the radio still has people calling in to just share their experiences of watching the games or going to the parade. The feeling is like after something tragic like 9-11 when people want to be together and talk about where they were when it happened and look at symbols from the event and live in the feelings together--only it's totally joyful and celebratory!<br /><br />(this video is so good)<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VPB0UMVTlj8" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />I'm a sucker for connections and I admit I have been sucked right into all of this. I drove to Wrigley field on a whim the day of Game 7, just to see it all with my own eyes. Sherry, my Cubs tour guide, shared her memories and emotions with me and we had so much fun watching Wrigleyville fill up with fans, even though the game was in Cleveland. The stadium itself projects a sense of connectedness--it's just situated right in an old neighborhood...no big parking lots and freeways and fences surrounding it...it's even called "The Friendly Confines." &nbsp;Sherry and I bonded over cheese curds and stories of Cubs history and personal history and she welcomed me proudly into this world I really have no right to call my own, yet that she gave me a ticket with which to enter. We regretted that we forgot to go look at the bricks bearing loved ones' names on the sides of the stadium, but then she, in true Cubs superstitious form said, "No, it's probably better this way because I might have written one name and then forgotten to write another one and then been so regretful all day and it might have caused the Cubs to lose."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9q9HMHARM8/WB9CoQoz-rI/AAAAAAABe-0/_02qrjvTfWQXPziQcOOSsKenQALs9gaLgCEw/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9q9HMHARM8/WB9CoQoz-rI/AAAAAAABe-0/_02qrjvTfWQXPziQcOOSsKenQALs9gaLgCEw/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-6Sz7hRo1A/WB9CpgJJCkI/AAAAAAABe-8/CASo8LeTL0clXoGEiISlW0mPagA1fokzQCEw/s1600/IMG_1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-6Sz7hRo1A/WB9CpgJJCkI/AAAAAAABe-8/CASo8LeTL0clXoGEiISlW0mPagA1fokzQCEw/s320/IMG_1687.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvkC9QYJYsc/WB9CokkFzVI/AAAAAAABe-4/mTujGZB_4c8nlTUwUvKk0belc_nqjGY9ACEw/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvkC9QYJYsc/WB9CokkFzVI/AAAAAAABe-4/mTujGZB_4c8nlTUwUvKk0belc_nqjGY9ACEw/s400/IMG_1689.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got so swept up in the emotion and community-feeling of it all, I added something to our fire hydrant we painted because we were finishing it up the day after Game 7.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrhPX3uF0iU/WB9CB6re_iI/AAAAAAABe-s/QiyRj3qoLSMJh0QW2PuuDQFaiUD6ew35QCEw/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrhPX3uF0iU/WB9CB6re_iI/AAAAAAABe-s/QiyRj3qoLSMJh0QW2PuuDQFaiUD6ew35QCEw/s400/IMG_1695.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />So, this is what it has been like for me, an outsider, to spectate the spectators and ultimately become a Cubs fan myself. I've enjoyed it so much and don't want it to end. I drove downtown with Evan and Annie yesterday afternoon to see the river dyed blue and the buildings lit up red and blue. &nbsp;We even drove past the stadium with "Go Cubs Go" playing in the car. On a deeper level, this whole experience has been indicative of our human desire to see bad things end and victory won. To together be a part of something bigger than ourselves that erases the bad times and seems to transcend time. To behold the joy in each other's faces at the undoing of a curse. I can't help think about greater realities--the hope of Christ's return and the joy of sin's defeat and how we will look at each other in utter disbelief and relief. &nbsp;This week, I saw strangers united, old men jumping up and down like young boys, something that seemed bad to us (a rain delay) but that turned to something good, me as an insider brought in at the last moment but able to experience all the celebration with everyone else, and the compelling joy of a multitude of people cheering for something beyond themselves that they are so thankful to have been a part of. &nbsp;And this is only baseball.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjpsvDJiAcA/WB-BDfvJd0I/AAAAAAABfBE/ePZaPtfrz-wI9PS9sX1CeH3HJ1uQ0-ccQCLcB/s1600/chi-lights-ct0044021740-20161027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjpsvDJiAcA/WB-BDfvJd0I/AAAAAAABfBE/ePZaPtfrz-wI9PS9sX1CeH3HJ1uQ0-ccQCLcB/s400/chi-lights-ct0044021740-20161027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Check out this article--so sweet!&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/grandmas-grandpas-chicago-cubs-world-series_us_581b39efe4b01a82df64f7f3" target="_blank">Grandma's and Grandpa's reactions to Cubs win</a><span id="goog_1772933434"></span><span id="goog_1772933435"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br /><br />And of course, here's the Go Cubs Go song, if you haven't heard it by now; &nbsp;<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A9XtDyDUjIU" width="560"></iframe>Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-65713214284915379392016-08-31T14:40:00.001-07:002016-08-31T14:47:21.689-07:00Awake and At Home<div class="MsoNormal">I feel like I just woke up.&nbsp; Not that I have been asleep, but that something inside me has been dormant and has sprung to life again.&nbsp; Or has been released from where I locked it up out of a survivalist inventory of things I could handle.&nbsp; I wasn’t surviving something horrific or life-threatening…and it’s probably a little bit dramatic to call it surviving…but now that I feel something come to life inside of me that feels familiar and that I didn’t even know I was missing, that’s all the explanation I have.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just finished reading a book that I now place on the imaginary “Top 5” list of books I don’t have in my head but, anyway, you get what I mean.&nbsp; I loved it in a way that is different from other books that I love, so there can never be just one top favorite, but this one has touched my heart deeply, and surprised me in the process.&nbsp; The book, <u>These Is My Words</u>, written by Nancy Turner, is a story of grit and survival and family and love in the Arizona Territories from 1881-1901. It has all the elements you can imagine; outlaws, Indian wars, wagon trains, scarlet fever, loyal dogs, rocking chairs, and quilts.&nbsp; There are always quilts in books about pioneer families.&nbsp; But this is not a review of the book, just a report about what’s going on in my life and heart.<o:p></o:p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-picUADAgY1w/V8dDRpBnnyI/AAAAAAABezI/fgipWoanjYABQzg03OX7d9RY69qrWX4iQCLcB/s1600/P9250059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-picUADAgY1w/V8dDRpBnnyI/AAAAAAABezI/fgipWoanjYABQzg03OX7d9RY69qrWX4iQCLcB/s400/P9250059.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of our home in Tucson, Arizona, literally right where a lot of the book takes place (Fort Lowell)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fourteen years ago, I had the words “And I will go with you” engraved on Jeremy’s wedding ring while he was off in the wilderness on a backpacking trip right around our second anniversary.&nbsp; We had both just quit our good jobs, full of promise and opportunity, to go into a great unknown: Kazakhstan.&nbsp; We didn’t know a lot about it, but we knew we were going together and that God was going before us. We had committed to following where God would lead when we got together back in the rugged mountains of Northern Arizona, where anything seemed possible and a life of adventure was full of charm and excitement.&nbsp; Now we had lived for two years as a young married couple in a cute little duplex by the beach with two successful careers born out of two college degrees just earned. We were the Lundgrens, and we hosted Dinners for 8 and baby showers and took weekend trips and went surfing after work and had extra income (which mostly went to paying of school loans, but still). But we left it, with mixed emotions and intentions—some of which were selfish and immature, before you go thinking we deserve sainthood or anything—to go somewhere unknown, because not going would kill something that was alive in us and because going was especially appealing to my young husband. And the fact that it was appealing to him made him appealing to me, which also scared me at the same time.&nbsp; I was the young wife on the wagon train…trusting God through fear and going hand-in-hand with my strong and brave husband, yet looking back at my home and family’s roots with sadness and longing.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9TOIoTUA8c/V8dEqIs-dPI/AAAAAAABezU/en9_IP3l-sY5DzErh8DsVjsZj4g6JHmdwCLcB/s1600/P4070003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9TOIoTUA8c/V8dEqIs-dPI/AAAAAAABezU/en9_IP3l-sY5DzErh8DsVjsZj4g6JHmdwCLcB/s400/P4070003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homesteading in my apartment in Kazakhstan</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and I went to Kazakhstan, and then came home.&nbsp; We then lived in Oceanside, Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Placentia, Fullerton, and now Lombard. That’s a lot of homesteads in the 12 years since we returned.&nbsp; Somehow, I have blinked, and now I have become a woman that other women call brave and adventurous, adaptable, and able to make a home anywhere.&nbsp; I cling tightly to my husband, who has become better at making us feel safe and protected despite his still-often inclination to “go” to new territory. He is studying among academic elites right now, and in many ways, we don’t feel up to the challenge, yet he finds a way to provide for us and care for us and do his work with integrity. I might not be able to shoot a rifle (though that sounds fun) or hunt for my dinner…I can’t even hang curtain rods without assistance.&nbsp; But, from hard work and experience, I know how to make new friends, make an imperfect house a home, and even entertain guests in the midst of pulled-up floorboards and exposed studs. My children know how to be brave and (mostly) make the best of new situations, even though they miss their grandparents and their favorite frozen yogurt shop and aren’t sure where to say that they are from. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coGzTHDZ8M8/V8dFg3um2SI/AAAAAAABezg/gUuKTs-c3kcDsn564REJZLddcoGFYQhEgCLcB/s1600/fall%2B2007%2B083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coGzTHDZ8M8/V8dFg3um2SI/AAAAAAABezg/gUuKTs-c3kcDsn564REJZLddcoGFYQhEgCLcB/s400/fall%2B2007%2B083.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t even really know what came to life inside of me after reading this book—and maybe it’s a combination of finally having been here in this new place for a year or the change of seasons or just that the kids are back in school all day so I can finally have a deep thought—but I feel strong, and ready and with a renewed desire to work hard that I haven’t felt in a while. Purposeful, I guess. And though in the past, I’ve been able to name what roles I have or what position my husband has or what I am in charge of…I feel suddenly okay to just be working hard on my homestead right now and to love my people. And to look back and to love the journey that it’s been to get here. <o:p></o:p></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNU8t9YIG5A/V8dDzRbXOjI/AAAAAAABezM/bfOe6kxUW0Un8_0r-4EJwyMVdcSr3jqjwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNU8t9YIG5A/V8dDzRbXOjI/AAAAAAABezM/bfOe6kxUW0Un8_0r-4EJwyMVdcSr3jqjwCLcB/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barefoot and pregnant in a dingy apartment :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWgta_zHniM/V8dFxGyRtVI/AAAAAAABezk/1KxgCR9vclUzXu2Kni6hmzpq59F4ovP5gCLcB/s1600/Spring%2B2008%2B051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWgta_zHniM/V8dFxGyRtVI/AAAAAAABezk/1KxgCR9vclUzXu2Kni6hmzpq59F4ovP5gCLcB/s400/Spring%2B2008%2B051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homesteading in Flagstaff...our first Christmas in that kitchen, hosting our youth group, Chinese students, and then both of our families.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLH2tSYvio4/V8dGSFPXU2I/AAAAAAABezo/sOO2_7XDR-IeLLikEDDZqkgSqn-WrN7iwCLcB/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLH2tSYvio4/V8dGSFPXU2I/AAAAAAABezo/sOO2_7XDR-IeLLikEDDZqkgSqn-WrN7iwCLcB/s400/036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I worked hard on that backyard in Flagstaff...bringing beauty to the former weedpatch through the help of kind women who were gardening veterans; showing me what to do and giving me starters from their gardens.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In <u>These is My Words</u>, the (fictional, yet historically accurate) diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, I saw life through the eyes of a woman who had to pause during the hard times to be thankful for what she had. She was a woman with a simple life, yet longed for more than the status quo. &nbsp;Even though there was a charm to her life because it took place in a period of the past, there is so much in common with our lives and challenges and desires today. I don’t want to give too much away in case you read it, but I got to see her grow into accepting that she will never be able to have all she wants at the same time, yet in a lifetime, she has more than she deserves.&nbsp; She has seasons of grief and seasons of prosperity, times of lonesomeness and yet great love.&nbsp; I am reading Ecclesiastes in the Bible right now, and I am struck by the comfort in the seasons…a time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to weep and a time to laugh…each comes and goes by the hand of God. To eat and drink and find enjoyment in our work, this is from the hand of God. I recently came across some wise words by one of my heroes of hospitality, Edith Schaeffer:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>“</i><i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">There needs to be a homemaker exercising some measure of skill, imagination, creativity, desire to fulfill needs and give pleasure to others in the family. How precious a thing is the human family. Is it not worth some sacrifice in time, energy, safety, discomfort, work? Does anything come forth without work?</span>”<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6h2vlb88TMk/V8dHsn_03WI/AAAAAAABezw/ibQrqPfOvy4SFNSXwdM5R4uTxtqPA2vkACLcB/s1600/IMG_2340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6h2vlb88TMk/V8dHsn_03WI/AAAAAAABezw/ibQrqPfOvy4SFNSXwdM5R4uTxtqPA2vkACLcB/s400/IMG_2340.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surrounded by love in Lombard</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So that’s where I’m at.&nbsp; I live in Lombard but I am from California, and in many ways, Arizona has my heart.&nbsp; I come from Pilgrims and citrus farmers and ranchers and an engineer and a teacher.&nbsp; I have a sister who is far away and I wish I could sew quilts with her and talk about rearing babies together.&nbsp; I am married to a good man who comes from Kansas and Tucson and will follow wherever God leads him.&nbsp; I am sad that I miss so many people, yet my cup runs over with the beauty in who God gives me for community every step of the way. I am a mother who finds strength in circles of women through the ages who are trying our best to make our homes clean and loving and productive.&nbsp; It is good to be loved and have hard work to do.&nbsp; It is enough and it is good and even the sadness parts of it and the missing the places I am from and the uncertainty of what’s ahead are good because it is my life and I am loved.&nbsp; These are my words.<o:p></o:p></div>Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-39930132844747553502016-02-03T13:37:00.001-08:002016-02-03T13:50:28.980-08:00Atlanta for Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For Thanksgiving, we went to Atlanta, to see Gamma and Pa J, Uncle Kyle, Aunt Danielle, Aunt Stacey, Uncle Jae, and cousins Hadleigh, Camden, and Braeden (all from Jeremy's side). Jeremy had to go to Atlanta a week or so before us for some smarty pants conferences related to his PhD stuff, so the kids and I drove down on our own. &nbsp;We made it just fine until we hit Atlanta traffic and I may have lost my mind a little bit. &nbsp;We noted places we want to explore the next time we drive there: Louisville, KY, Nashville of course, and Raccoon Cave.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNFNhwbC2u0/VrJa9vUS-qI/AAAAAAABeJw/ligK6rLqvQY/s1600/IMG_6486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNFNhwbC2u0/VrJa9vUS-qI/AAAAAAABeJw/ligK6rLqvQY/s400/IMG_6486.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cousins reacquainted quickly, even though it had been four-and-a-half years since they had seen each other last. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3D5Tmm2mzc/VrJa9jJ4s5I/AAAAAAABeJw/KyOZLz4SryM/s1600/IMG_6487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3D5Tmm2mzc/VrJa9jJ4s5I/AAAAAAABeJw/KyOZLz4SryM/s400/IMG_6487.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie was happy to see her favorite doggies again.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gX3b5OGaBo/VrJbA3SzofI/AAAAAAABeJw/dWa1YUyoxc4/s1600/IMG_6504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gX3b5OGaBo/VrJbA3SzofI/AAAAAAABeJw/dWa1YUyoxc4/s400/IMG_6504.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyALIb_5_Ag/VrJa9jdv1SI/AAAAAAABeJw/LHd1vcRSZVs/s1600/IMG_6488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyALIb_5_Ag/VrJa9jdv1SI/AAAAAAABeJw/LHd1vcRSZVs/s400/IMG_6488.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie and Hadleigh did A LOT of gymnastics. &nbsp;Together. &nbsp;A LOT. &nbsp;It was fun except for the part with Uncle Jeremy broke Hadleigh's beam doing a jump tuck (yes, try to imagine that). &nbsp;But in his defense, Hadleigh made him do it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frqq8gDwCv8/VrJbB2UMxAI/AAAAAAABeJw/n9582lfInt0/s1600/IMG_6505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frqq8gDwCv8/VrJbB2UMxAI/AAAAAAABeJw/n9582lfInt0/s400/IMG_6505.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls had an official gymnastics show--they designed and printed flyers, "sold" tickets, and choreographed some routines. &nbsp;I think Hadleigh had as much fun dressing up her little Mini Me as much as she enjoyed being her coach.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCi3SEPhons/VrJbAd4hMqI/AAAAAAABeJw/3e1m0VFKPIY/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCi3SEPhons/VrJbAd4hMqI/AAAAAAABeJw/3e1m0VFKPIY/s400/IMG_6503.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The door prize at the gymnastics show was a photo with the gymnasts. &nbsp;Here are the lucky winners! &nbsp;Yay!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDfr5UsMJFM/VrJbCfTwHlI/AAAAAAABeJw/Vaa-3o0E2OI/s1600/IMG_6507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDfr5UsMJFM/VrJbCfTwHlI/AAAAAAABeJw/Vaa-3o0E2OI/s400/IMG_6507.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the girls :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4YMNaUh9bU/VrJa_T7U7pI/AAAAAAABeJw/Lfi1-2iPnqI/s1600/IMG_6491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4YMNaUh9bU/VrJa_T7U7pI/AAAAAAABeJw/Lfi1-2iPnqI/s400/IMG_6491.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yes, and there was also an abundance of medals (Hadleigh is actually a very talented gymnast is real life).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oM1KcjM4XZQ/VrJvNcFYKDI/AAAAAAABeKw/zMtIZcn-dh8/s1600/12249631_10153175671745286_3805520586269353624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oM1KcjM4XZQ/VrJvNcFYKDI/AAAAAAABeKw/zMtIZcn-dh8/s400/12249631_10153175671745286_3805520586269353624_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were quite a few sleep overs...so fun and a little crazy. &nbsp;Aunt Danielle was a good sport.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqH_Y5XvS5s/VrJvNgIXPSI/AAAAAAABeK0/I0qv6WVfqzI/s1600/12278852_10153175671790286_5657094015565459848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqH_Y5XvS5s/VrJvNgIXPSI/AAAAAAABeK0/I0qv6WVfqzI/s400/12278852_10153175671790286_5657094015565459848_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1g_AUEaiyw/VrJvNMUNGGI/AAAAAAABeKs/FkaAw9bV-pU/s1600/12278699_10153178834090286_6176657669759035510_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1g_AUEaiyw/VrJvNMUNGGI/AAAAAAABeKs/FkaAw9bV-pU/s400/12278699_10153178834090286_6176657669759035510_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was also the middle-aged kids' night out without the little kids.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AprhJZSwIts/VrJvOL6He2I/AAAAAAABeK4/zcOzQ4je2Rg/s1600/12313911_10153178834060286_6828333211805616237_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AprhJZSwIts/VrJvOL6He2I/AAAAAAABeK4/zcOzQ4je2Rg/s400/12313911_10153178834060286_6828333211805616237_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy is also a good sport. &nbsp;Not.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iShTnXCs2T0/VrJbAY3o6kI/AAAAAAABeJw/cL3o9ZwOIZE/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iShTnXCs2T0/VrJbAY3o6kI/AAAAAAABeJw/cL3o9ZwOIZE/s400/IMG_6497.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was the attempt at nice photos because we're all together photos. &nbsp;Some were more successful than others.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPxt4o6fwQg/VrJbDunhdLI/AAAAAAABeJw/JY6FLbC_4Hw/s1600/IMG_6512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPxt4o6fwQg/VrJbDunhdLI/AAAAAAABeJw/JY6FLbC_4Hw/s400/IMG_6512.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emotions depicted in this photograph: Verge of tears, dorkiness, silliness, sassiness, and skin-crawling-desire-for-escape/teenage-contempt-of-forced-family-photos.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ut7omDXDvwQ/VrJbC9uNlsI/AAAAAAABeJw/EMXnYq2JMAU/s1600/IMG_6509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ut7omDXDvwQ/VrJbC9uNlsI/AAAAAAABeJw/EMXnYq2JMAU/s400/IMG_6509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfwIGvlBKcE/VrJbEOKYN6I/AAAAAAABeJw/-suY1FKTe4Y/s1600/IMG_6514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfwIGvlBKcE/VrJbEOKYN6I/AAAAAAABeJw/-suY1FKTe4Y/s400/IMG_6514.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Thanksgiving, we decorated Gamma and Pa J's house for Christmas. Here's Evan with a flying Georgia pinecone, the state pinecone of Georgia (you had to be there). &nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJC_Ylyz0hg/VpVg0-Ue8gI/AAAAAAABeHQ/M8L4proG57Y/s1600/photo%2B5%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJC_Ylyz0hg/VpVg0-Ue8gI/AAAAAAABeHQ/M8L4proG57Y/s400/photo%2B5%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, Christmas, that time of year when we celebrate Leon, or at least that's one way of looking at it.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a great time to hang out, connect, and over-eat, of course! A true American holiday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZdSau2W7qk/VrJbEZcDvZI/AAAAAAABeJw/WFO10RPHGSM/s1600/IMG_6517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZdSau2W7qk/VrJbEZcDvZI/AAAAAAABeJw/WFO10RPHGSM/s400/IMG_6517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RnS1Np4q1pw/VrJbEzdeU2I/AAAAAAABeJw/qF2KKMI-Zi0/s1600/IMG_6518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RnS1Np4q1pw/VrJbEzdeU2I/AAAAAAABeJw/qF2KKMI-Zi0/s400/IMG_6518.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After our trip, we realized that in the last year, our family had driven to Yosemite, San Diego, Nevada, Utah, Phoenix, Flagstaff, New Mexico, all over Colorado, across Kansas, into Missouri, all the way through Illinois, up to Wisconsin, down through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and back to Chicago (and Jeremy had also been to Texas and had flown to Chicago to look at houses while we still lived in CA). &nbsp;That's quite a year!Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-17483239887643707872016-02-03T13:14:00.001-08:002016-02-03T13:14:47.488-08:00Other Kinds of Dressing Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We really do love to dress up around here...so here are some other fall-related dress up pictures:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HU3PgYK-od0/VpVgEinb7BI/AAAAAAABeFc/f-tbZsbWGYE/s1600/12068413_10206714364591994_8898222261154054884_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HU3PgYK-od0/VpVgEinb7BI/AAAAAAABeFc/f-tbZsbWGYE/s400/12068413_10206714364591994_8898222261154054884_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam, dressed up (for real) as an ER patient, ready to get his appendix out.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOYoIZXMedc/VpVgFCaPUuI/AAAAAAABeFk/GN180S3O-uU/s1600/photo%2B1%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOYoIZXMedc/VpVgFCaPUuI/AAAAAAABeFk/GN180S3O-uU/s400/photo%2B1%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie and another one of her new friends.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SqRiwJUXQzo/VpVgGtjZ0XI/AAAAAAABeGA/4Fppld-t4b0/s1600/photo%2B4%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SqRiwJUXQzo/VpVgGtjZ0XI/AAAAAAABeGA/4Fppld-t4b0/s400/photo%2B4%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie, wearing the lovely dress Mohammed from Iraq bought for her, standing in front of the high school where our church meets. &nbsp;Yay for fall colors!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNNUR0x1rkM/VpVgHpmXmPI/AAAAAAABeGc/4OlPc5D3ZpI/s1600/photo%2B4%2B%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNNUR0x1rkM/VpVgHpmXmPI/AAAAAAABeGc/4OlPc5D3ZpI/s400/photo%2B4%2B%25289%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie and her friend wearing similar thrift store Justice sweatshirts. &nbsp;In Annie's room.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxxULeIZWmo/VpVgHurMoGI/AAAAAAABeGU/y3PkvC_1yk4/s1600/photo%2B5%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxxULeIZWmo/VpVgHurMoGI/AAAAAAABeGU/y3PkvC_1yk4/s400/photo%2B5%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie on her way to gymnastics, looking like a teenager from the 80's.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i117peyGiTY/VpVgIPmWLdI/AAAAAAABeGo/PqWCsi0qV1A/s1600/photo%2B5%2B%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i117peyGiTY/VpVgIPmWLdI/AAAAAAABeGo/PqWCsi0qV1A/s400/photo%2B5%2B%25287%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam dressed as a Cub scout (he is one).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN_a_sGE_-U/VpVgIXCGEaI/AAAAAAABeGk/afv-x3Rai2w/s1600/photo%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN_a_sGE_-U/VpVgIXCGEaI/AAAAAAABeGk/afv-x3Rai2w/s400/photo%2B5.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie on the 50th day of school (dressed in 50's clothes and her school shirt)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tOpsN5koeU/VpVgEq5oHSI/AAAAAAABeFg/7m4eKMobyRc/s1600/photo%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tOpsN5koeU/VpVgEq5oHSI/AAAAAAABeFg/7m4eKMobyRc/s400/photo%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress like a hero day at school</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gBhr8f0HI9w/VpVgEY8n90I/AAAAAAABeFY/0czQz6HLnEM/s1600/photo%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gBhr8f0HI9w/VpVgEY8n90I/AAAAAAABeFY/0czQz6HLnEM/s400/photo%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie dressed as her favorite hero, Aunt Kendra.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzjwHwzi680/VrJefj4ppCI/AAAAAAABeKQ/EzV_DsoHgzM/s1600/photo%2B3%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzjwHwzi680/VrJefj4ppCI/AAAAAAABeKQ/EzV_DsoHgzM/s320/photo%2B3%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to a live stage performance of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkKKd_vQd78/VpVgG-QZWKI/AAAAAAABeGI/g4KdeTa7TQY/s1600/photo%2B4%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkKKd_vQd78/VpVgG-QZWKI/AAAAAAABeGI/g4KdeTa7TQY/s400/photo%2B4%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie wanted to dress in something fancy, and as her outfit grew, she looked more and more like the White Witch who makes it always winter and never Christmas in Narnia. &nbsp;She started to get upset when everyone was calling her a witch, because she thought she was just a princess. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWW6S4HrtaE/VrJXuy7swwI/AAAAAAABeIQ/L9DcZMp0s3w/s1600/IMG_6454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWW6S4HrtaE/VrJXuy7swwI/AAAAAAABeIQ/L9DcZMp0s3w/s320/IMG_6454.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But by the end, she got over it and enjoyed meeting the White Witch herself.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kztieV1IZmA/VrJXu-qKfjI/AAAAAAABeIY/RoGQ-NhvsvU/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kztieV1IZmA/VrJXu-qKfjI/AAAAAAABeIY/RoGQ-NhvsvU/s320/IMG_6453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids with Aslan, and Ginarrbrik photo bombing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQXejAC58OI/VrJXu3bcfzI/AAAAAAABeIU/1dcFZOkwqKw/s1600/IMG_6455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQXejAC58OI/VrJXu3bcfzI/AAAAAAABeIU/1dcFZOkwqKw/s320/IMG_6455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan, Annie, and Sam with the Pevensies.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFJdTB1MScE/VrJXwZaS7KI/AAAAAAABeIc/72NrmQAxxMA/s1600/IMG_6456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFJdTB1MScE/VrJXwZaS7KI/AAAAAAABeIc/72NrmQAxxMA/s400/IMG_6456.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam's evil wolf impersonation. &nbsp;Be very afraid.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K015krQ9IhU/VrJXxM1K1iI/AAAAAAABeIg/Yxb-HkAUDrs/s1600/IMG_6457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K015krQ9IhU/VrJXxM1K1iI/AAAAAAABeIg/Yxb-HkAUDrs/s400/IMG_6457.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. and Mrs. Beaver.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlkdW0AkNGM/VrJXxUS97yI/AAAAAAABeIk/n5V-Oiyr4Do/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlkdW0AkNGM/VrJXxUS97yI/AAAAAAABeIk/n5V-Oiyr4Do/s400/IMG_6458.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The silly unicorn, added for comic relief, I suppose. &nbsp;The kids really liked her.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiDmKPIkDB8/VrJXx43-3uI/AAAAAAABeIo/4waJVAMj4io/s1600/IMG_6459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiDmKPIkDB8/VrJXx43-3uI/AAAAAAABeIo/4waJVAMj4io/s400/IMG_6459.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan was his cute, quirky self, dutifully collecting every autograph.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-4063221437618732922016-02-03T13:02:00.003-08:002016-02-03T13:02:39.407-08:00A History of Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In honor of this Halloween post that is 3 months late, I decided to do a little review of Halloween through the kids' years so far. &nbsp;Somehow, I don't have any photos of Sam's first 2 Halloweens...I think I was still under the impression that I had to pretend like I didn't like Halloween at all in order to look like a good mom. &nbsp;But the reality is, I love the dressing up and the candy and the community spirit of it (even though I've never enjoyed the gory parts or found the humor of celebrating death). &nbsp;So Sam's first couple Halloween costumes were pretty low-key, and then you can see, well...we kind of get into it unabashedly now!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvEXfmg5Dg8/Viunu9rRfKI/AAAAAAABdz4/E16sLoAwjyU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvEXfmg5Dg8/Viunu9rRfKI/AAAAAAABdz4/E16sLoAwjyU/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Year one, Sam was a frog, and year 2, I don't have any memory of or photo to show. &nbsp;Here he is as an almost-three-year-old monkey (this hat has come in handy as so many other costumes for plays and skits since then!). &nbsp;Evan is an orange kangaroo (a souvenir sweatshirt from one of Aunt Kendra's trips around the world).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0rWNPLgkPY/ViurOxHxNwI/AAAAAAABd3Y/6HdIEgU0Yq0/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0rWNPLgkPY/ViurOxHxNwI/AAAAAAABd3Y/6HdIEgU0Yq0/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite my careful separation of the "fun" parts of Halloween and the gory ones, moments like this always seem to happen anyway. &nbsp;Here is our sweet little neighbor <strike>vampire</strike>&nbsp;girl holding my innocent little baby.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OirXduvp7PY/Viun4xGqOZI/AAAAAAABd0A/Qb9ABqml194/s1600/Oct.-Dec.2008%2B025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OirXduvp7PY/Viun4xGqOZI/AAAAAAABd0A/Qb9ABqml194/s320/Oct.-Dec.2008%2B025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008: Bob the builder jammies and me dressed as my mom when she was my age...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaQznb6LkpA/Viun6Fb8VLI/AAAAAAABd0I/mEkPEfH8M48/s1600/Oct.-Dec.2008%2B027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaQznb6LkpA/Viun6Fb8VLI/AAAAAAABd0I/mEkPEfH8M48/s320/Oct.-Dec.2008%2B027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam's in a batman sweatshirt and homemade cape. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyOU64H8JBM/ViuoGSR6JeI/AAAAAAABd0Q/jjxkWgAXmOU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyOU64H8JBM/ViuoGSR6JeI/AAAAAAABd0Q/jjxkWgAXmOU/s400/005.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009: Hand-me-down frog costume, nothing for Evan, and Spiderman</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hW_6d38nzo/ViuoSqixcZI/AAAAAAABd0Y/_cJgxcfz91E/s1600/380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hW_6d38nzo/ViuoSqixcZI/AAAAAAABd0Y/_cJgxcfz91E/s400/380.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010: &nbsp;Homemade darth vader (well, except for the mask), Evan's beloved Batman costume that he basically wore almost every day for 3 years, and a monkey (again).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQPlrZ4lZ08/ViuoWtve_OI/AAAAAAABd0g/PdmMrFLwhTw/s1600/391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQPlrZ4lZ08/ViuoWtve_OI/AAAAAAABd0g/PdmMrFLwhTw/s320/391.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, after all my separation of fun and gory, my kid comes home with a skeleton face-paint. &nbsp;I just can't win.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--70kecEH-a8/Viuofy9p9CI/AAAAAAABd0o/f0bkelyarBQ/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--70kecEH-a8/Viuofy9p9CI/AAAAAAABd0o/f0bkelyarBQ/s400/009.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011: &nbsp;Pirate (in a definitive "Arr!" stance), Superman, and a very excited cowgirl with her constant sippy-cup companion</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Skc57QA3Scg/Viuo3QmZv6I/AAAAAAABd0w/RJtHqVA5R2w/s1600/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Skc57QA3Scg/Viuo3QmZv6I/AAAAAAABd0w/RJtHqVA5R2w/s400/118.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012: &nbsp;We finally decided to claim Halloween for the "fun" side and had a cardboard carnival in the cul-de-sac in CA. &nbsp;Sam was a buck-teethed Thor, I am wearing my old prom dress as some sort of princess (it's for the kids!), Evan is a ninja-power-ranger, and Annie is Rapunzel, complete with frying pan and chameleon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzPu4LmdD4I/ViupcVwFcLI/AAAAAAABd1o/5VekSONk-EI/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzPu4LmdD4I/ViupcVwFcLI/AAAAAAABd1o/5VekSONk-EI/s320/017.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013: &nbsp;Annie was Alice until she didn't make it to the bathroom in time...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSRgk97T5AY/ViupeMIOTPI/AAAAAAABd2A/hoDE5SZFT_0/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSRgk97T5AY/ViupeMIOTPI/AAAAAAABd2A/hoDE5SZFT_0/s400/037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...so then we had Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey, a cheerleader, and a raccoon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQkYEEgZzHc/Viup38jEY8I/AAAAAAABd2k/HOl4FzR9zM4/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQkYEEgZzHc/Viup38jEY8I/AAAAAAABd2k/HOl4FzR9zM4/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We always hit the after-Halloween costume sales and Annie wore this $2 batgirl costume a lot throughout the year...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA2zgLCcFJc/ViuqCs-WsiI/AAAAAAABd3A/QFkTPkh7Brg/s1600/428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA2zgLCcFJc/ViuqCs-WsiI/AAAAAAABd3A/QFkTPkh7Brg/s320/428.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGWiYwdC7dg/ViuqLtyr8cI/AAAAAAABd3I/L280KJSXWr4/s1600/448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGWiYwdC7dg/ViuqLtyr8cI/AAAAAAABd3I/L280KJSXWr4/s400/448.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(as did the boys with their $2 costumes)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jeo2QOf4nBc/ViuqhL5NUuI/AAAAAAABd3Q/AApsSa6vFss/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jeo2QOf4nBc/ViuqhL5NUuI/AAAAAAABd3Q/AApsSa6vFss/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But 2014 had Little Orphan Annie, an old man, and a skeleton</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKHZHTCoaFI/VrJWCoOZA-I/AAAAAAABeH8/F7xJdTWLF7s/s1600/IMG_6430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKHZHTCoaFI/VrJWCoOZA-I/AAAAAAABeH8/F7xJdTWLF7s/s400/IMG_6430.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And for 2015, can you figure out who they were?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv7Bi1FMGqM/VrJWCmWkciI/AAAAAAABeH0/tlFlZxXdJb0/s1600/IMG_6436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv7Bi1FMGqM/VrJWCmWkciI/AAAAAAABeH0/tlFlZxXdJb0/s400/IMG_6436.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of Annie--she's not just a cowgirl, she's a very specific character.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8de7z7QmpKo/VrJWC25C5yI/AAAAAAABeH4/nYrablbJz1s/s1600/IMG_6438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8de7z7QmpKo/VrJWC25C5yI/AAAAAAABeH4/nYrablbJz1s/s400/IMG_6438.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done guessing? &nbsp;We were: Dale, Annie Oakley, Uncle Sam, and Rosie the Riveter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l05gn-_zBsU/VrJefrvi8MI/AAAAAAABeKM/b-ysgRDvwYM/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l05gn-_zBsU/VrJefrvi8MI/AAAAAAABeKM/b-ysgRDvwYM/s400/photo%2B1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People get really into Halloween here...yes, the gory stuff.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d-C_gADIdY/VrJegFnB6VI/AAAAAAABeKY/tvQEd1Aq7fc/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d-C_gADIdY/VrJegFnB6VI/AAAAAAABeKY/tvQEd1Aq7fc/s400/photo%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1Nick6PRrM/VrJWEjdP3gI/AAAAAAABeIA/Y_d9VXxJk8U/s1600/IMG_6439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1Nick6PRrM/VrJWEjdP3gI/AAAAAAABeIA/Y_d9VXxJk8U/s400/IMG_6439.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam and his teacher, who is a big Nascar fan.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88AEQ7xvXio/VrJdgGgaoKI/AAAAAAABeJ4/egizgru3NyQ/s1600/IMG_6431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88AEQ7xvXio/VrJdgGgaoKI/AAAAAAABeJ4/egizgru3NyQ/s320/IMG_6431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids had a pumpkin decorating contest for school. &nbsp;I didn't realize the adults were actually competing using their kids' names, so we didn't have a chance. &nbsp;But they were cute, anyway.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffz4zQHWGp0/VrJdgAZE4dI/AAAAAAABeJ8/q7zMNEWszzY/s1600/IMG_6432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffz4zQHWGp0/VrJdgAZE4dI/AAAAAAABeJ8/q7zMNEWszzY/s320/IMG_6432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbrXZ3V_mzM/VrJdgLN-GsI/AAAAAAABeKA/57GK3E_XBq0/s1600/IMG_6434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbrXZ3V_mzM/VrJdgLN-GsI/AAAAAAABeKA/57GK3E_XBq0/s320/IMG_6434.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ARF-5JIToI/VrJdhi21THI/AAAAAAABeKI/7fOyTGGGTd8/s1600/IMG_6440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ARF-5JIToI/VrJdhi21THI/AAAAAAABeKI/7fOyTGGGTd8/s400/IMG_6440.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's some proof that the kids are making friends at their new school!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38VKhsUSNA8/VrJdhslGEuI/AAAAAAABeKE/XyffF5qgYwo/s1600/IMG_6451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38VKhsUSNA8/VrJdhslGEuI/AAAAAAABeKE/XyffF5qgYwo/s400/IMG_6451.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stS9nt-ljc8/VrJWE4Yki4I/AAAAAAABeIE/3_4X0Ggirrk/s1600/IMG_6441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stS9nt-ljc8/VrJWE4Yki4I/AAAAAAABeIE/3_4X0Ggirrk/s400/IMG_6441.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the evening of Halloween, Annie changed to a rocker girl. &nbsp;The cities, I mean villages, around here have set Trick-or-Treat hours, and they start in the afternoon and end in the early evening. &nbsp;We spent the evening with our friends, going in and out into the rain, trick-or-treating in groups with neighborhood kids, exchanging candy, eating soup, and going back out to find fun houses (that weren't too scary) and tasty candy again. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFbyz7jWz_8/VrJefpSLHLI/AAAAAAABeKU/VFiJXccPbwU/s1600/photo%2B3%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFbyz7jWz_8/VrJefpSLHLI/AAAAAAABeKU/VFiJXccPbwU/s400/photo%2B3%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Except for the dismembered doll parts impaled on fence posts in people's front yards, I liked Halloween in Chicago!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-89508002654830038722015-11-12T22:16:00.000-08:002015-11-12T22:51:20.485-08:00The Humility of Being NewLast week, I had a sadness problem. &nbsp;It began when I went to visit a good friend from childhood/high school, who lives what I thought was a reasonable distance away in another city in Illinois. &nbsp;That is a good thing, yes, but after wrong turns on roads that have both numbers and names that are used interchangeably, paying far too many tolls, road construction, lost cell phone signal and ensuing lostness, I felt that she lived too far away to see regularly (which isn't true, it's just how I felt). &nbsp;It was like I got a taste of intimacy and familiarity but then I had to rush back to pick up my kids and find out that one of my kids had broken his finger while goofing off in class and they hadn't been able to get ahold of me (due to lack of cell phone coverage) and I felt embarrassed and alone and insecure. &nbsp;Then I had an awkward experience with some parents that left me crying in the car... and to top it off, my buddy Jeremy was too busy to even say "hi" (which again isn't true but just was how I felt). &nbsp;At the height of my low-ness--wait, and the lowest of my low-ness and loneliness (sorry, now I am just having fun with alliteration), I got an email from a new friend asking if I needed any help and offering to meet and get to know each other better. &nbsp;Because I tend to be self-centered, I began thinking about how she was just reaching out to me because I was new, and how I couldn't trust anyone because any nice-ness was probably just pity and altruism, not real friendship or connection. I was feeling really Eeyore-ish. <br /><br />Thankfully, it didn't take too long to realize my pride and double standard in the way I was thinking. &nbsp;I have reached out to others in the past--let's face it--because they were new. &nbsp;Some of those intentional first-connections lead to real relationships, and even if they didn't, I found joy in welcoming a new person and helping them to feel comfortable, even if they found closer friends in other settings. &nbsp;I suddenly felt thankful that others had allowed me to serve them in that way...it truly brings me joy to reach out to new people. &nbsp;I realized that there is a humility to being new...I am at the mercy of others and their kindness. &nbsp;I am not so special and amazing and sparkly that people would flock to me asking to be my BFF...I have to start slow like everyone else and accept the kindness of others. &nbsp;And I have to trust that real friendships will come in time. &nbsp;God always provides, friendships included, and I can't fast-forward through the slow starts and insecure first impressions--which are always how even the greatest friendships begin. &nbsp; (a few hours later, Jeremy invited me to lunch and let me dump all my junk on him for 2 hours and boy, did that do wonders to my soul :))<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nHOdYoiL48/VkV3AC2-TvI/AAAAAAABd_4/oVLdPL-K1bo/s1600/IMG_6462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nHOdYoiL48/VkV3AC2-TvI/AAAAAAABd_4/oVLdPL-K1bo/s320/IMG_6462.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is evidence that the kids are making friends, which makes my heart happy.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The past month or so has been a time of ups and downs as we move on through life in our new home and get used to our new routines. &nbsp;The house hasn't fallen apart and rodents haven't chewed through the walls, so I finally have accepted it as home (though I still groan when I look at the kitchen floor and I just can't even clean the pink bathroom with much more than a half-hearted wipe-down...it's just so ew and tacky). &nbsp;The musty smell coming from the moldy downstairs bathroom has subsided a bit and we are not all dying from respiratory infections. &nbsp;I have even had a few guests over which has also done wonders for my soul! &nbsp;(Jeremy said for me to leave a hammer and tape measure sitting out conspicuously so that no one would think we actually "like" the awkward parts of our house...you know, send the message that it's a work in progress...good idea, surprised I didn't think of it!). &nbsp;My mom came to visit and it was nice to have her say that our home was home-y and cute, even though it has its problems.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmjWZKx0z90/VkVrl9KsEXI/AAAAAAABd74/-kHe-G32zks/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmjWZKx0z90/VkVrl9KsEXI/AAAAAAABd74/-kHe-G32zks/s400/IMG_6354.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We welcomed her with deep-dish Chicago pizza, of course. &nbsp;One of my favorite things in our new house is not the chandelier in the dining room. &nbsp;But on the wall in the dining room, I put a bunch of random travel pictures in random frames I had and I love it. &nbsp;It makes me feel like all the upheaval is worth it when I see a visual representation of the rich life I've lived so far.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5U4JtjbaX0/VkVrh7MDCAI/AAAAAAABd7s/xV08WWVyWzU/s1600/IMG_6375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5U4JtjbaX0/VkVrh7MDCAI/AAAAAAABd7s/xV08WWVyWzU/s400/IMG_6375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkTRxs0oIJY/VkVra-x8YCI/AAAAAAABd7Q/zgMV6xL0DqA/s1600/IMG_6356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkTRxs0oIJY/VkVra-x8YCI/AAAAAAABd7Q/zgMV6xL0DqA/s400/IMG_6356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and I did some touristy stuff, like exploring downtown Chicago, eating popcorn, and going on an architectural boat tour on the river. &nbsp;It was so interesting! &nbsp;Chicago is a fascinating city...I won't tell you any of the stories because you need to just come visit us and see for yourself!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg-E-nT04vU/VkVrao4EhyI/AAAAAAABd7M/5Emt0NICXHw/s1600/IMG_6358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg-E-nT04vU/VkVrao4EhyI/AAAAAAABd7M/5Emt0NICXHw/s400/IMG_6358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cU681Dq1LKM/VkVrXPR6MYI/AAAAAAABd7A/zVJtl662jgw/s1600/IMG_6360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cU681Dq1LKM/VkVrXPR6MYI/AAAAAAABd7A/zVJtl662jgw/s400/IMG_6360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/---hh3zPfts4/VkVrZ8t-r2I/AAAAAAABd7I/LNr_sO9aOPM/s1600/IMG_6361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/---hh3zPfts4/VkVrZ8t-r2I/AAAAAAABd7I/LNr_sO9aOPM/s400/IMG_6361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mom was here for Grandparents Day, which is a thing here. &nbsp;It is a very smart thing because they have a book fair on the same day and let me just say, those grandparents were great customers! &nbsp;Evan is on student council, so he was a host/tour guide and wore his little suit. &nbsp;I didn't get a picture because I didn't want to interrupt him from the cute and serious job he was doing. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLOTw33bezQ/VkVrlRJ5r7I/AAAAAAABd70/gktpE0D5TiI/s1600/IMG_6376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLOTw33bezQ/VkVrlRJ5r7I/AAAAAAABd70/gktpE0D5TiI/s320/IMG_6376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />My mom got to be the Mystery Reader in Annie's class, also. &nbsp;Mystery Reader is also a thing here. On Fridays, a special guest shows up to read a book to the class. &nbsp;My mom read one of my favorite books, "A Special Trade" to the class and didn't even cry! &nbsp;I did.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsnKSTpzQLg/VkVrdFfhlII/AAAAAAABd7Y/voJ_rEQYzuE/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsnKSTpzQLg/VkVrdFfhlII/AAAAAAABd7Y/voJ_rEQYzuE/s320/IMG_6363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We had some nippy weather while my mom was here, which was a little unusual because the rest of the fall has been gor-ge-ous! &nbsp;My mom said she was glad it was cold because it was a nice break from So Cal heat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afu9uxnfiHs/VkVrdFy-nuI/AAAAAAABd7g/xTpUGkT29V4/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afu9uxnfiHs/VkVrdFy-nuI/AAAAAAABd7g/xTpUGkT29V4/s400/IMG_6364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-saaGo0COjAE/VkVrhw6HHoI/AAAAAAABd7o/hdTLN3bN59k/s1600/IMG_6367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-saaGo0COjAE/VkVrhw6HHoI/AAAAAAABd7o/hdTLN3bN59k/s400/IMG_6367.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago Dogs was on my list of things I wanted to share with my mom (I hadn't had one yet, either) and so I elbowed my way to the Free Hot Dog table at a local fall festival and stuffed some in my purse. &nbsp;They weren't very good. &nbsp;I later found out they were left over from the snack bar at the city pool which closed a couple months ago. &nbsp;No wonder. &nbsp;So Chicago Dog is still on my list.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PN1rFBMxI4s/VkVrddSfURI/AAAAAAABd7c/9qPrnym-k6I/s1600/IMG_6365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PN1rFBMxI4s/VkVrddSfURI/AAAAAAABd7c/9qPrnym-k6I/s400/IMG_6365.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl95FVQKeQE/VkVrhRodH8I/AAAAAAABd7k/aHnzB49GDUY/s1600/IMG_6370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl95FVQKeQE/VkVrhRodH8I/AAAAAAABd7k/aHnzB49GDUY/s400/IMG_6370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two.</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;Oh, but before the "up" of having my mom visit, we had the "down" of Sam having his appendix out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2P8xo4Y7XqE/VkVvZprVbYI/AAAAAAABd8w/NIQqqD4BKRI/s1600/12068413_10206714364591994_8898222261154054884_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2P8xo4Y7XqE/VkVvZprVbYI/AAAAAAABd8w/NIQqqD4BKRI/s320/12068413_10206714364591994_8898222261154054884_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPtsupl95gc/VkVw3B3xmJI/AAAAAAABd9U/TUSoPWHyWl4/s1600/IMG_6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPtsupl95gc/VkVw3B3xmJI/AAAAAAABd9U/TUSoPWHyWl4/s320/IMG_6353.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />&nbsp;It always feels strange to walk out of a hospital after you have been inside for a day or two--strange to see the sun out and birds chirping and people carrying on with their daily activities and totally unaware that you have just had a sort of life-changing experience. &nbsp;It felt especially strange to come out of the hospital and to be in a new city that I was still getting to know and that definitely didn't feel like home. &nbsp;Big sigh on that one.<br /><br />We have found a lot of fun places to explore, which is an up for sure! &nbsp;The kids are at a fun age for exploring...I am thankful for that.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfFn1VQc3Mw/VkVxPOoKJ-I/AAAAAAABd-M/88tK2K3glcI/s1600/IMG_6423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfFn1VQc3Mw/VkVxPOoKJ-I/AAAAAAABd-M/88tK2K3glcI/s320/IMG_6423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are at a cool military museum in a beautiful park near Wheaton College. &nbsp;There are so many tanks to climb on!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lV6rpKt6knY/VkVxHB9DCFI/AAAAAAABd9c/zvpHNkzxNik/s1600/IMG_6414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lV6rpKt6knY/VkVxHB9DCFI/AAAAAAABd9c/zvpHNkzxNik/s320/IMG_6414.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X59LX-WOMA0/VkVxKMwGS-I/AAAAAAABd9w/0Xo-PxtE5vw/s1600/IMG_6417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X59LX-WOMA0/VkVxKMwGS-I/AAAAAAABd9w/0Xo-PxtE5vw/s320/IMG_6417.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUQFcbHAfwk/VkVxJM9DUPI/AAAAAAABd9k/MXK6L-Z6OSs/s1600/IMG_6416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUQFcbHAfwk/VkVxJM9DUPI/AAAAAAABd9k/MXK6L-Z6OSs/s320/IMG_6416.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-m9TNT4U4w/VkVxT3yLvfI/AAAAAAABd-o/eP4wrHM7llc/s1600/IMG_6427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-m9TNT4U4w/VkVxT3yLvfI/AAAAAAABd-o/eP4wrHM7llc/s320/IMG_6427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp;And an arboretum which was fun and beautiful even though most of the leaves had fallen already.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6a9pe7PZ5Us/VkV3DPgOuDI/AAAAAAABeAE/POF656Hsx_Q/s1600/IMG_6463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6a9pe7PZ5Us/VkV3DPgOuDI/AAAAAAABeAE/POF656Hsx_Q/s320/IMG_6463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8DmlAQfdHM/VkV3JVSwSZI/AAAAAAABeAQ/72IlIJRlaMw/s1600/IMG_6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8DmlAQfdHM/VkV3JVSwSZI/AAAAAAABeAQ/72IlIJRlaMw/s320/IMG_6465.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bBi6ZtfKGE/VkV3BGawdkI/AAAAAAABd_8/YOl_BibbcSw/s1600/IMG_6464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bBi6ZtfKGE/VkV3BGawdkI/AAAAAAABd_8/YOl_BibbcSw/s320/IMG_6464.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsApVpBg0m0/VkV3JWSZr-I/AAAAAAABeAM/SxqNaHBe0qQ/s1600/IMG_6467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsApVpBg0m0/VkV3JWSZr-I/AAAAAAABeAM/SxqNaHBe0qQ/s320/IMG_6467.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVU89oswg_s/VkV3IwkTbgI/AAAAAAABeAI/BKKStlEoVms/s1600/IMG_6466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVU89oswg_s/VkV3IwkTbgI/AAAAAAABeAI/BKKStlEoVms/s320/IMG_6466.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GG3dYkrpHS8/VkV3PGUsVqI/AAAAAAABeAY/SpI0nhG9XyQ/s1600/IMG_6469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GG3dYkrpHS8/VkV3PGUsVqI/AAAAAAABeAY/SpI0nhG9XyQ/s320/IMG_6469.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuQvnnez3n8/VkV3QlNDKOI/AAAAAAABeAk/ernHMAIZ1UU/s1600/IMG_6470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuQvnnez3n8/VkV3QlNDKOI/AAAAAAABeAk/ernHMAIZ1UU/s320/IMG_6470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DLfHu1RJLA/VkV3P_q2QzI/AAAAAAABeAg/zmuR0X-Jxpc/s1600/IMG_6472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DLfHu1RJLA/VkV3P_q2QzI/AAAAAAABeAg/zmuR0X-Jxpc/s320/IMG_6472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfz6b1RhT4M/VkV3Vdxi0bI/AAAAAAABeAo/FnsnAUDqLt4/s1600/IMG_6476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfz6b1RhT4M/VkV3Vdxi0bI/AAAAAAABeAo/FnsnAUDqLt4/s320/IMG_6476.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-4z4OH3HoM/VkV3WPSGnVI/AAAAAAABeAs/09FVcKQIXEs/s1600/IMG_6475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-4z4OH3HoM/VkV3WPSGnVI/AAAAAAABeAs/09FVcKQIXEs/s320/IMG_6475.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;And of course, the park by our house which is always where the kids want to go, no matter what other adventures await.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ir_cUj3UtaQ/VkV3WFxZxoI/AAAAAAABeAw/wuKrGcJvzqk/s1600/IMG_6480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ir_cUj3UtaQ/VkV3WFxZxoI/AAAAAAABeAw/wuKrGcJvzqk/s400/IMG_6480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />&nbsp;So...the house is still painted the most boring color you could think of and the laundry room is still the scary dungeon that I can't bring myself to look into the corners of for fear of what I might find there, but it has been easy to be thankful, even on days when I feel a little glum. &nbsp;There is a resolve in what we came here to do, and 15 years of marriage has made us strong. &nbsp;And we still have a Good Shepherd who leads us beside still waters and finds green pastures for us in the midst of the valleys and all the evil in the world. &nbsp;I am thankful that he restores my soul, even when I am far from "home"...wherever that is.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fuvyTeE8fE/VkVwxmZEPSI/AAAAAAABd9E/rcgjRz3BoVA/s1600/IMG_1493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fuvyTeE8fE/VkVwxmZEPSI/AAAAAAABd9E/rcgjRz3BoVA/s400/IMG_1493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-24064212771153872102015-10-12T10:39:00.005-07:002015-10-12T10:39:47.296-07:00The Chicago Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So here we are in Chicago-land...it has been almost 2 months and it is still taking some getting-used-to. &nbsp;For the first month or so, it felt hard to open my heart to really enjoy myself. &nbsp;I wasn't really thinking about where we came from (just sort of pretending to not care that I missed people and places--a forced numbness, I suppose...a defense mechanism, some would say) and not really allowing my heart to embrace the charm of the new place. &nbsp;I would see something pretty, like the Prairie Path that extends for miles of beautiful walking/jogging/bike riding or the uniqueness of each house in a style totally different than Orange County housing tracts,but I would sort of dismiss them as No Big Deal. &nbsp;I would be taking in the sights and sounds of different ethnic groups represented in the grocery store and trying new food items and start to get kind of excited, and then sort of shut off my heart and think about all the work we had to do on our ugly house that didn't feel like home. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn2mUe0fBgw/VhvLui-RgzI/AAAAAAABdxk/XWtfhhCzFmU/s1600/Illinois-Prairie-Path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn2mUe0fBgw/VhvLui-RgzI/AAAAAAABdxk/XWtfhhCzFmU/s400/Illinois-Prairie-Path.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prairie Path</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5H-EqEnnyo/VhvUbnVQe9I/AAAAAAABdxw/WR3JLJm5nAs/s1600/67211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5H-EqEnnyo/VhvUbnVQe9I/AAAAAAABdxw/WR3JLJm5nAs/s400/67211.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of a cool house in Lombard, Il--definitely not our house (and, in my research for this blog post, I found out that this house was the model used for the mansion in the Little Orphan Annie comic strip) &nbsp;(I also found out that the Unabomber is the most famous person born in Lombard, Il)&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6dNe-J1QW0/VhvUbmh8XcI/AAAAAAABdx0/rAEMafagfZs/s1600/WheatonCollege.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6dNe-J1QW0/VhvUbmh8XcI/AAAAAAABdx0/rAEMafagfZs/s400/WheatonCollege.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheaton College...practically a castle!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, I can say, that lately, I have begun to allow this place to grow on me. &nbsp;I still get confused about where I am...thinking that I feel an earthquake or asking a student at Wheaton if he went to Biola (true story), and I still am trying to figure out the subtleties of how people relate and get to know each other (one person totally asked me if I was a psychologist because I guess I was asking too many get-to-know-you questions. &nbsp;My bad, sorry). &nbsp;I accidentally told my nice neighbor that he was my best friend here (joking about how I didn't know many people but he had helped us move some furniture and our kids had played a couple times) and then I didn't see him for weeks. &nbsp;Oops. &nbsp;But people are in general, friendly and easy to talk to. &nbsp;Sometimes they even smile and wave, even though they don't know you...it's nice, albeit confusing. &nbsp;The kids' school is really nice and homey...not quite the same as the more high-pressure, competitive undercurrent of our last school (or So Cal in general), but really really nice. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think the change in me started to happen when we went downtown for my birthday and walked around for miles and miles (thanks for being good sports, kids!). &nbsp;It truly is a beautiful city...and it smells like rich, wonderful, chocolate brownies sometimes when the wind is blowing right. True story...we were walking around and wondering when we were going to come upon a bakery, and then later learned (from friendly people on the street who were also following their noses) that there is a large chocolate factory in downtown. Awesome.&nbsp;A far cry from the lovely odor of Purina dog food that often wafts through Flagstaff, AZ.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are some photos from my birthday day.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbEBO4N1g5Q/VhvJof0ONFI/AAAAAAABdqU/8qfyyqxHdRA/s1600/IMG_6326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbEBO4N1g5Q/VhvJof0ONFI/AAAAAAABdqU/8qfyyqxHdRA/s400/IMG_6326.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the story of my life. &nbsp;But I wanted to show you the inside of Gino's East, one of the famed deep-dish pizza locales that is recommended by everyone. &nbsp;You can autograph the wall.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vx-wN-aKFSQ/VhvJu0DETpI/AAAAAAABdrg/IdgB9x5BDyM/s1600/IMG_6327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vx-wN-aKFSQ/VhvJu0DETpI/AAAAAAABdrg/IdgB9x5BDyM/s400/IMG_6327.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is also the story of my life. &nbsp;Moving on.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_z0r0xJzZlM/VhvJoJMvnYI/AAAAAAABdqQ/9vQ4i4JF56U/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_z0r0xJzZlM/VhvJoJMvnYI/AAAAAAABdqQ/9vQ4i4JF56U/s400/IMG_6328.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who would have guessed that the views of buildings out the window while you eat would be so exciting? It's the charm of Chicago, I guess!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lVizzvSKxQ/VhvJplmBbeI/AAAAAAABdqk/Spy0RNHdgxs/s1600/IMG_6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lVizzvSKxQ/VhvJplmBbeI/AAAAAAABdqk/Spy0RNHdgxs/s400/IMG_6333.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Evan, for taking my picture.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVgD5Ohv5Y0/VhvJrHk656I/AAAAAAABdq0/uP-wNSiS1jg/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVgD5Ohv5Y0/VhvJrHk656I/AAAAAAABdq0/uP-wNSiS1jg/s400/IMG_6335.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry, one more buildings shot, it is just so pretty!</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;We found a park that had been recommended to us...it is called Maggie Daley park and it is maybe the most awesome park we have been to. The kids and I had just watched "Hook" and I felt like we were in the Lost Boys hideaway. &nbsp;I even went down the big crazy silver slide. &nbsp;I guess in the winter, you can ice skate all around the curving pathways that surround the park. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztdy1E51vA0/VhvJrn3GmzI/AAAAAAABdq8/tMnJGMxMXLo/s1600/IMG_6336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztdy1E51vA0/VhvJrn3GmzI/AAAAAAABdq8/tMnJGMxMXLo/s400/IMG_6336.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYrjYKMiLlw/VhvJstav9vI/AAAAAAABdrI/YmaxWEzlsI4/s1600/IMG_6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYrjYKMiLlw/VhvJstav9vI/AAAAAAABdrI/YmaxWEzlsI4/s400/IMG_6337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o585oc7ieD8/VhvJs8FNwjI/AAAAAAABdrM/dw68JTARey4/s1600/IMG_6338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o585oc7ieD8/VhvJs8FNwjI/AAAAAAABdrM/dw68JTARey4/s400/IMG_6338.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MRk7R0an1Q/VhvJuAgsxMI/AAAAAAABdrY/G0lgTy_U-fo/s1600/IMG_6340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MRk7R0an1Q/VhvJuAgsxMI/AAAAAAABdrY/G0lgTy_U-fo/s400/IMG_6340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h2mbYCARxoY/VhvJuWKC6oI/AAAAAAABdrc/a4FYHMIj-6U/s1600/IMG_6342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h2mbYCARxoY/VhvJuWKC6oI/AAAAAAABdrc/a4FYHMIj-6U/s400/IMG_6342.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids loved the park almost as much as I did :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mcu_-yfrLSg/VhvJvzI6CcI/AAAAAAABdr0/Nm52RrZTx4U/s1600/IMG_6347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mcu_-yfrLSg/VhvJvzI6CcI/AAAAAAABdr0/Nm52RrZTx4U/s400/IMG_6347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTngHuq6xBk/VhvJwaevSJI/AAAAAAABdr4/zovFHw0e2Go/s1600/IMG_6348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTngHuq6xBk/VhvJwaevSJI/AAAAAAABdr4/zovFHw0e2Go/s400/IMG_6348.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long shadows time of day...my favorite part of the day (except for coffee-drinking time). &nbsp;The surreal moment when you are walking under the El, just like you always saw in the movies and wondered how it worked to have traffic and pedestrians using the space under the railway.</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;The other ways that this place has begun to work its way into my heart is in the nature we have discovered...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThN8Osb0gRc/VhvJyP-wdFI/AAAAAAABdsI/0apnetdeNvI/s1600/IMG_6350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThN8Osb0gRc/VhvJyP-wdFI/AAAAAAABdsI/0apnetdeNvI/s400/IMG_6350.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor areas like this are called Forest Preserves here. &nbsp;There are many of them all over the Western suburbs. &nbsp;We are enjoying exploring them.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PT7h-th1If8/VhvJyl6-qQI/AAAAAAABdsQ/ATUd-jbPo5c/s1600/IMG_6352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PT7h-th1If8/VhvJyl6-qQI/AAAAAAABdsQ/ATUd-jbPo5c/s400/IMG_6352.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Annie is not falling headfirst into the water, don't worry)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and in the fact that we are beginning to have friends. &nbsp;We found a really great church, and the pastor's kids go to our kids' school. &nbsp;We even traveled up to Wisconsin yesterday for a church-related event and enjoyed getting to know some of the people more closely (though I didn't feel comfortable grabbing them for a selfie quite yet...I don't want to be seen as that pushy lady from CA in addition to asking too many questions :) )</div>Here is a list of recent Chicago discoveries and observations, if you please:<br /><br /><ul><li><b>The Suburbs:</b> &nbsp;Each town in the suburbs is called a village. &nbsp;You can only get a library card for your own village library. &nbsp;Every village has a main street. &nbsp;There is also something called a township that I am not sure about. &nbsp;Oh, and we found a product in the store that said it was made in Chicago-ish, referring to one of the villages, so I was right on!</li><li><b>Traffic: </b>&nbsp;There are few cul-de-sacs in this place. &nbsp;Every street is a through street, mostly, and even the bigger streets have houses with driveways right on them. &nbsp;In So Cal, it seems that most neighborhoods are a little more protected from through traffic--with an official entrance and exit--and the bigger streets are lined with walls or shops. &nbsp;Also, roads randomly become highways (and I am not totally sure of the terminology of highways/freeways/tollways here yet--I know people from the LA area are made fun of in other places for naming our freeways and calling them "The 5" "The 605" etc.). &nbsp;Roads also become toll roads and I am always nervous that I won't have the right change.</li><li><b>Weather</b>: &nbsp;This is an important topic of conversation here. &nbsp;Everyone, I kid you not--everyone who hears that we came from CA apologizes to us (see, Midwesterners are so polite). &nbsp;I have only met a few people who admit that they like the winter. &nbsp;Everyone else can't believe we would leave the place they dream of in February to come to the place of bitter cold winters. &nbsp;We have been warned that the sun refuses to shine for weeks on end and how to gauge the level of coldness by how quickly our nose hairs freeze (true story, often referenced in conversation). &nbsp;It is an interesting time for us, because the weather has been truly beautiful (while everyone has been suffering in extremely hot temps in CA) but I always feel like people are reminding me of the Big Bad Boogeyman Winter that is breathing down our necks on the heels of autumn. I kind of laugh inside thinking of how much our friends in So Cal liked to talk/complain/blame illnesses on the weather...especially when I read in the school handbook that student crossing guards would be relieved of their duties only if the temperatures got below ten degrees, but that the adult guards would still be at their posts. &nbsp;Yikes!</li><li><b>Revolving Doors:</b> &nbsp;You have to become adept at using revolving doors here...keeping out the cold air is of utmost importance. &nbsp;Yes, my children are the ones without any revolving-door-etiquette and are guilty of squishing each other and old ladies and trapping fellow passengers inside. &nbsp;We're working on it, folks.</li><li><b>Shopping</b>: &nbsp;Oh, it was a sad day when I went to my first grocery store and saw the high prices for California strawberries and citrus fruits and the lackluster supply of salsa or tortillas. &nbsp;But the frozen pizza aisle? &nbsp;Oh my! &nbsp;The frozen pizzas get their own whole aisle and there are so many brands I have never heard of! &nbsp;Since my first few trips, I have discovered other stores that have better produce at lower prices. &nbsp;And the apples here are delicious! &nbsp;My favorite grocery store is called Caputo's and it is Italian (though it has products from all over the world at great prices). &nbsp;It is a small chain, just in the Chicago area and has hot Italian food and deep dish pizza, homemade pasta for you to prepare at home, a full in-store bar, samples of fresh mozzarella and breads and wines and produce (and in the research for this blog post, I found out that they sell their famous pizza dough, too! &nbsp;Score!). &nbsp;The line at the huge deli uses a "take a number" system and the whole thing intimidates me but people are pretty serious about their deli meat here! &nbsp;I make a goal of bringing something new home to try every time I go. &nbsp;They even have lovely Italian music playing and a catchy Frank Sinatra-esque jingle that plays every once in a while--"Caputo's, Caputo's...I love this store!" &nbsp;My sentiments exactly. &nbsp;On the flip side, they have a super cheap store called Aldi here that keeps their prices down by having no fancy displays, making you bag your own groceries and put a quarter in the cart release that you get back when you return your cart to the rack. &nbsp;</li><li><b>Food (actually mostly about Pizza): </b>local pizza places here are like Mexican food in So Cal (let's not talk about Mexican food...I am too afraid to try it here). &nbsp;Everyone has their favorite pizza. &nbsp;There are little shops all over, all claiming to be "The Best Pizza in Chicagoland!" &nbsp;Many of them are just named Connie's Pizza or Nancy's Pizza or Pizza by Irene, but I tend to lean more toward buying pizza at places with names like Giordano's or Lou Malnati's or Gino's...just sounds right. &nbsp;So far, my favorite Chicago style pizza is...(drum roll)...Tony's pizza in Placentia (my hometown in CA). &nbsp;My other favorite pizzas are: Fratelli's in Flagstaff and for carry-out, Porky's in Placentia as well. &nbsp;Oh, and there was that time Jeremy and I each ate our own whole medium pizzas with a knife and fork at a random restaurant on the slopes while snowboarding in the Italian Alps. &nbsp;That was pretty good pizza. &nbsp;So, I have liked the pizza here okay, just haven't been wowed yet. &nbsp;Alas, I must keep trying and tasting. &nbsp;Some other foods I love here are Italian beef sandwiches and the Burger/Ice cream (or frozen custard) joints...they are my favorite! &nbsp;And of course we've eaten at Portillo's and loved it!</li></ul><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muF4lipp4ew/VhvJ0IqpLfI/AAAAAAABdsY/mJB5MMlgqC4/s1600/IMG_6355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muF4lipp4ew/VhvJ0IqpLfI/AAAAAAABdsY/mJB5MMlgqC4/s400/IMG_6355.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are working on table manners with Sam, I promise. &nbsp;It's slow-going, but we're persevering.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><b>Miscellaneous Observations: &nbsp;</b>There are noisy&nbsp;cicadas in the trees in September, lots of bees and hornets, busy busy busy squirrels hoarding food for winter (not like the squirrels in our yard in Fullerton that seemed like they had nothing to do except make mischief, living the charmed Southern CA squirrel life). &nbsp;Some animal has taken up residence under our front porch, which was a mixed blessing because they chased out the hornets that had been living there which had terrorized us and the neighbor kid. &nbsp;But, our new guests are not welcome, either, and I am wondering what will happen if they get cold and hungry in the middle of the winter and try to come inside. I might have to use my frying pan as a weapon again, like I did with another furry intruder years ago. There are lots of thunderstorms here--yet the lightning just flashes like a camera flash, instead of dramatically slicing through the sky and hitting the ground like in an Arizona monsoon. &nbsp;And tornado drills--that's a new thing, too! &nbsp;Oh, and the kids' school is two-story and they have lockers--even first grade Annie. The school is totally closed and locked--parents are rarely allowed inside and must be buzzed in after being seen on a video monitor. &nbsp;It makes it a little hard to meet other parents, but I've gotten to know a few on the playground after school. I am not sure how we are going to handle all the winter gear issues when winter comes...especially our oldest child who is not so great at keeping track of his stuff or cleaning out his locker. &nbsp;The kids don't play handball or tetherball here, but football during recess is the big thing. &nbsp;We aren't Bears or Cubs or White Sox fans yet, which is probably not a good idea, but I'm sure we will after drinking the Kool Aid for a while (though it appears you definitely have to choose between Cubs and Sox--you can't like both).</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><b>The Lake: &nbsp;</b>We have now seen the lake (Lake Michigan) a few times and it is definitely big and blue and dotted with sailboats. &nbsp;It almost looks like the ocean...but it just doesn't smell right. The kids aren't convinced that the beach is the beach even though it looks like a beach and is called The Beach.</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CytX2z5XnAc/VhvK8tdQ0pI/AAAAAAABdxM/dmFe5znf_3w/s1600/IMG_6429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CytX2z5XnAc/VhvK8tdQ0pI/AAAAAAABdxM/dmFe5znf_3w/s400/IMG_6429.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It kind of reminds me of that old movie "The Truman Show" with Jim Carey where he doesn't know that he is the star of an elaborate reality tv show and his town and the ocean are just part of a closed set. In the final scene, he sails to the edge of the set and finds a giant blue wall with clouds painted on it. &nbsp;That's just how I feel looking at the lake--because it does look so much like the ocean but something in my brain knows it's not.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9jbQGpsLiM/VhvLuqM36xI/AAAAAAABdxg/TlHx2OV-Td0/s1600/truman-show-the-truman-show-tv-show-movie-gets-own-tv-show-jpeg-47083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9jbQGpsLiM/VhvLuqM36xI/AAAAAAABdxg/TlHx2OV-Td0/s400/truman-show-the-truman-show-tv-show-movie-gets-own-tv-show-jpeg-47083.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Truman Show</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw85EetD0Ws/VhvK8lAqE7I/AAAAAAABdxI/S2OLGS9zxcs/s1600/IMG_6428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw85EetD0Ws/VhvK8lAqE7I/AAAAAAABdxI/S2OLGS9zxcs/s400/IMG_6428.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this photo, Evan is playing catch with some new friends on our trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin. &nbsp;In the background is a charming lighthouse and Lake Michigan. &nbsp;Still somehow reminds me of the Truman show...but I was loving the lack of crowds and relaxing pace of the day. &nbsp;Oh, and the day ended with a sampling of 4 different kinds of Racine Kringle, the official State Pastry of Wisconsin, of course.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b><b>Fall</b>: &nbsp;Fall is a big deal here, along with decorating houses for Halloween. &nbsp;It's mostly fun except for a few over-the-top front yards with dismembered baby dolls and mannequins being killed in all sorts of fashions.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crAPzxVBI0Y/VhvKsPmokvI/AAAAAAABduk/CuTeV-tGTUY/s1600/IMG_6403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crAPzxVBI0Y/VhvKsPmokvI/AAAAAAABduk/CuTeV-tGTUY/s400/IMG_6403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>An observation not related to Chicago, per-say, but desperately important</b>: &nbsp;I need to work on my kids' "posing-for-pictures" skills, stat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--j8jVUiHA-8/VhvK6ua7frI/AAAAAAABdww/xzeweGZtTP8/s1600/IMG_6425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--j8jVUiHA-8/VhvK6ua7frI/AAAAAAABdww/xzeweGZtTP8/s400/IMG_6425.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqUZgJfSgIw/VhvKsIkioDI/AAAAAAABduo/4FVBmY_Y3Qw/s1600/IMG_6409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqUZgJfSgIw/VhvKsIkioDI/AAAAAAABduo/4FVBmY_Y3Qw/s320/IMG_6409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />So I guess this is how things go. &nbsp;Sights, smells, sounds, tastes, beginning to make a house a home, and the first few glimpses of friendship do wonders to the heart in a new place. &nbsp;In the process, my heart has begun to remember the places we have left, which can be met with intense sadness and longing, but it is good to be blessed with so many places and people to love. &nbsp;We were sharing our process of feeling more settled and happy with our pastor/friend, and he said, "Well, we are really glad you are here. &nbsp;It feels like such a good fit to have you with us, and it is an honor to be on the receiving end of your journey. &nbsp;It's like we missed you, even though we didn't know you yet."<br /><br /><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-76217075938528098552015-08-26T11:24:00.000-07:002015-08-26T14:43:59.367-07:00All Our Lives in a Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We made it to Chicagoland. &nbsp;They really call it that here, so I wasn't too far off when I said we were moving to Chicago-ish. More about that later. &nbsp;Now, I want to share about our month-long road trip...since we left CA a month ago today. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our time leading up to our trip was sweet and hard...full of fun last things and also broken arms, broken cars, bodily fluids and all sorts of other complications. &nbsp;I only took pictures of the sweet stuff, don't worry.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5Iry43E9WE/Vd3bOXHfE2I/AAAAAAABdmw/Kw7-8-jaRPU/s1600/IMG_6004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5Iry43E9WE/Vd3bOXHfE2I/AAAAAAABdmw/Kw7-8-jaRPU/s400/IMG_6004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">Our goodbye time with Kendra and Paul was an impromptu trip to the San Diego Zoo. &nbsp;What a great day we had together and with all the cute fuzzy animals.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HTebOb9TkQ/Vd3bP7_83PI/AAAAAAABdnI/ruzgsaYgmkY/s1600/IMG_6011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HTebOb9TkQ/Vd3bP7_83PI/AAAAAAABdnI/ruzgsaYgmkY/s400/IMG_6011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a03yLlWA8W0/Vd3bOs2a2wI/AAAAAAABdm4/UttDDvPCGeE/s1600/IMG_6010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a03yLlWA8W0/Vd3bOs2a2wI/AAAAAAABdm4/UttDDvPCGeE/s200/IMG_6010.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgrn9QEekYw/Vd3bO9-k_wI/AAAAAAABdm0/h2f7wjjAqNc/s1600/IMG_6005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgrn9QEekYw/Vd3bO9-k_wI/AAAAAAABdm0/h2f7wjjAqNc/s320/IMG_6005.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMlwbQJUbpc/Vd3bQoW1ylI/AAAAAAABdnQ/6oSOkipeGsk/s1600/IMG_6015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMlwbQJUbpc/Vd3bQoW1ylI/AAAAAAABdnQ/6oSOkipeGsk/s400/IMG_6015.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were other sweet and tearful goodbyes...between friends, students who became like family, and kids who were the best English teachers and hosts anyone could ask for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2m32eB-BxuA/Vd3ZqTth96I/AAAAAAABdl8/0Gd5pC5Spxg/s1600/IMG_6121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2m32eB-BxuA/Vd3ZqTth96I/AAAAAAABdl8/0Gd5pC5Spxg/s200/IMG_6121.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgF4JbrVEZI/Vd3ZpCMhuMI/AAAAAAABdls/h2vUPMOO6ns/s1600/IMG_6113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgF4JbrVEZI/Vd3ZpCMhuMI/AAAAAAABdls/h2vUPMOO6ns/s200/IMG_6113.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWLkjUpsR7E/Vd3Zp75S1MI/AAAAAAABdl4/i5nyEho5_bY/s1600/IMG_6091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWLkjUpsR7E/Vd3Zp75S1MI/AAAAAAABdl4/i5nyEho5_bY/s200/IMG_6091.JPG" width="200" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We sure loved our Fullerton house, but all good things come to an end...that's part of what makes them so good. &nbsp;And one day the good things won't come to an end--that's a great consolation to me. &nbsp;I want our kids to understand that, too. &nbsp;Jeremy and I spent our last moments before sleep reading some of the wonderful entries in our guest book from our year at iHouse Fullerton. &nbsp;We were blessed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_-yT4c9pnw/Vd3Zpo39usI/AAAAAAABdlw/72UMZ_dQ8Lg/s1600/IMG_6117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_-yT4c9pnw/Vd3Zpo39usI/AAAAAAABdlw/72UMZ_dQ8Lg/s400/IMG_6117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then there was saying goodbye to my parents, Grandma and Krampaw. &nbsp;They were so sweet and cheerful about it all--they may have been putting on a brave face for us, and I appreciated it. &nbsp;That's what love does.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqvg4Y_MEKM/Vd3Zq5W2ZjI/AAAAAAABdmM/Dkhdl8SjAhQ/s1600/IMG_6124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqvg4Y_MEKM/Vd3Zq5W2ZjI/AAAAAAABdmM/Dkhdl8SjAhQ/s400/IMG_6124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FvQ7mltoV4o/Vd3ZrQZGCwI/AAAAAAABdmQ/Lz6pOis68Fc/s1600/IMG_6127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FvQ7mltoV4o/Vd3ZrQZGCwI/AAAAAAABdmQ/Lz6pOis68Fc/s400/IMG_6127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sweet moment of playing one more round of Five Crowns as Jeremy and I had the super fun marital experience of packing a small car for a month-long move across the country. &nbsp;Is this how the pioneer wives felt? &nbsp;I think maybe so.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />&nbsp;Here we are on July 27th, with tears in our eyes and uncertainty and excitement about the journey ahead...the cargo container representing the mostly blank canvas of memories ahead of us.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V-f5ttMicg/Vd3ZJby_K6I/AAAAAAABdlQ/LBsshxQVCyw/s1600/11817056_484501898394082_7793880452130997945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V-f5ttMicg/Vd3ZJby_K6I/AAAAAAABdlQ/LBsshxQVCyw/s400/11817056_484501898394082_7793880452130997945_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I called this post "All Our Lives in a Month" because our trip seemed to be a flashback tour of old friends, old stomping grounds, old memories...and yet the whole time feeling buoyed along toward our new future by the love and hospitality we received along the way. I kept likening our trip to pioneers on the Oregon trail, only we were headed in the opposite direction...and instead of all new experiences, we were walking and driving through old memories. So I guess it was the opposite. It was so sweet and rich and made me feel deeply thankful.<br /><br />Our first stop was at the Irvine's home in Phoenix. &nbsp;We have known Matt and Emily since college, then our families became friends and neighbors during our years back in Flagstaff. &nbsp;Emily and I walked the streets of our neighborhood the night before Annie was born, trying to get my labor to come, and their family happened to be eating in the same restaurant as Sam and Evan and Jeremy's mom and sister when Annie was born and they witnessed Sam announcing to the restaurant that his little sister was just born. &nbsp;I mostly wanted to relish the moments together and didn't take any pictures except these 2 of our little birthday celebration for Annie on the morning of the 28th. &nbsp;It seemed fitting that Emily and her gang were celebrating Annie's birth once again with us.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-300wqimKIhI/Vd3Qinqa0dI/AAAAAAABdhU/Sos0xMUmhDw/s1600/IMG_6129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-300wqimKIhI/Vd3Qinqa0dI/AAAAAAABdhU/Sos0xMUmhDw/s400/IMG_6129.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDHBK7zQQI4/Vd3QiaOXsJI/AAAAAAABdhM/ikfNpPSxjbc/s1600/IMG_6130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDHBK7zQQI4/Vd3QiaOXsJI/AAAAAAABdhM/ikfNpPSxjbc/s400/IMG_6130.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent a day at Jeremy's grandparent's house...we had a sweet and fun time just being together, taking rides on the golf cart, repacking the car (marital stress finally resolved), looking at old slides, playing with Jigger (the dog) and Elvis (the cat) and going to dinner at Chilis. &nbsp;The kids were so sweet, and when Jeremy's grandma had serious back pain, Evan burst out with the idea that we pray for her on the spot. &nbsp;What a good day.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsHcXd8f-6c/Vd3Qilt6NiI/AAAAAAABdhQ/VapgSb_IkTo/s1600/IMG_6133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsHcXd8f-6c/Vd3Qilt6NiI/AAAAAAABdhQ/VapgSb_IkTo/s400/IMG_6133.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Annie's birthday ended with a little celebration at the house of my old friend from high school youth group, Ann Marie, and her family. &nbsp;They had brownies with frosting and candles and even a little gift. &nbsp;We stayed up late talking and the kids hit it off with Pete and Jamie. Later, Ann Marie texted me to say that Pete asked when their cousins were coming to visit again...which was confusing until she realized he was talking about us. &nbsp;We'll be surrogate cousins, no problem!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXy57sNtApg/Vd3QjnI6AeI/AAAAAAABdhk/y_mwIozx2UA/s1600/IMG_6135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXy57sNtApg/Vd3QjnI6AeI/AAAAAAABdhk/y_mwIozx2UA/s400/IMG_6135.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejogseT6sAA/Vd3QkbAgtUI/AAAAAAABdhs/XdSdapZuvKI/s1600/IMG_6138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejogseT6sAA/Vd3QkbAgtUI/AAAAAAABdhs/XdSdapZuvKI/s400/IMG_6138.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our two girls were spitfire peas in a pod. &nbsp;They played hard and fought and made up like they had known each other forever.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that concluded the planned portion of our month-long trip. &nbsp;Yep, we only had one day planned when we left California. &nbsp;Our generous friends in Flagstaff offered their homes to us, and so we solidified our plans as we drove up to Flag, stopping at our favorite creek swimming hole in Sedona on the way up. &nbsp;Annie and I even ate wild blackberries while the boys cliff-jumped and rode around on floating logs to their hearts' content. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8ukbvqOz1U/Vd3RIOkAN3I/AAAAAAABdic/-ihlldnpVJM/s1600/11888602_10154260195564896_6945277703694546366_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8ukbvqOz1U/Vd3RIOkAN3I/AAAAAAABdic/-ihlldnpVJM/s400/11888602_10154260195564896_6945277703694546366_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGD8aP6I120/Vd3jUly1UJI/AAAAAAABdnw/SmPuHwhtszc/s1600/IMG_6144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGD8aP6I120/Vd3jUly1UJI/AAAAAAABdnw/SmPuHwhtszc/s400/IMG_6144.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />Flagstaff was full of all the things that make Flagstaff wonderful. &nbsp;Memories, beautiful scenery, old friends, traditions...our hearts. &nbsp;You've heard me talk about Flagstaff too much, so I will refrain for now. &nbsp;And of course we weren't able to see all the people we would have loved to...it's always hard to figure out how to manage our time when we are there. &nbsp;If it were just up to me, I'd have every minute scheduled with someone!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl_ZHVwrwL8/Vd3UYH7fTEI/AAAAAAABdkM/XB0WpzK9eEA/s1600/11905446_10206507009448245_6472647842060558450_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl_ZHVwrwL8/Vd3UYH7fTEI/AAAAAAABdkM/XB0WpzK9eEA/s400/11905446_10206507009448245_6472647842060558450_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little America truck stop for ice cream and dinosaur playing, of course. &nbsp;And no one stepped in poo this time, which is an accomplishment since they assigned the pet relief area on the same patch of grass where the children have always played.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMBf_gaolA4/Vd3RGJAeP2I/AAAAAAABdiM/VYSJrNEr-8I/s1600/11875241_10206507116810929_5637106400290766439_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMBf_gaolA4/Vd3RGJAeP2I/AAAAAAABdiM/VYSJrNEr-8I/s400/11875241_10206507116810929_5637106400290766439_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$0.75 ice cream, oh yeah. &nbsp;We went twice.</td></tr></tbody></table>Our children endured our guided tour of NAU without too much groaning as we pointed out places that are really only significant to us and a few of our other friends who are starting to have wrinkles and gray hairs like us.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx4PpmTDG_U/Vd3LDtMjm5I/AAAAAAABdX4/J8JB26r1CSs/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx4PpmTDG_U/Vd3LDtMjm5I/AAAAAAABdX4/J8JB26r1CSs/s400/IMG_6149.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpBayUTBaxU/Vd3LDWs6eNI/AAAAAAABdXw/-5c0_C7rSgs/s1600/IMG_6148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpBayUTBaxU/Vd3LDWs6eNI/AAAAAAABdXw/-5c0_C7rSgs/s400/IMG_6148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Louie photo bomb, awesome.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1N_Qz8Ryiic/Vd3LDl9Zl6I/AAAAAAABdX0/-78T9KIMM3c/s1600/IMG_6150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1N_Qz8Ryiic/Vd3LDl9Zl6I/AAAAAAABdX0/-78T9KIMM3c/s400/IMG_6150.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />We bounced around between open spots in the Rohr's iHouse--avoiding vacationers--and the Cornelius' apartment. &nbsp;Christy was gracious enough to host us even though they live in an apartment (where they work as community event planners) with their new baby and 2 bigger kids. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaABuF-THqw/Vd3LTTU5IRI/AAAAAAABdYQ/7-9oZ99k_vo/s1600/IMG_6153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaABuF-THqw/Vd3LTTU5IRI/AAAAAAABdYQ/7-9oZ99k_vo/s400/IMG_6153.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />We saw so many sweet friends and the kids mostly picked up and played like no time had passed.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ijkZ7AekXI/Vd3LTAkiMcI/AAAAAAABdYI/_nvdDebumfc/s1600/IMG_6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ijkZ7AekXI/Vd3LTAkiMcI/AAAAAAABdYI/_nvdDebumfc/s400/IMG_6161.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie and Bonnie, two nursery babies from the same period at FCF</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjIpjxYK-tM/Vd3LTdFu7vI/AAAAAAABdYM/3y-yud--8CE/s1600/IMG_6162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjIpjxYK-tM/Vd3LTdFu7vI/AAAAAAABdYM/3y-yud--8CE/s400/IMG_6162.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan and Gus, two stinkers...also babies together at FCF</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Id_zxiBVkVw/Vd3LUcrhsII/AAAAAAABdYg/NgJuB0jjmWg/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Id_zxiBVkVw/Vd3LUcrhsII/AAAAAAABdYg/NgJuB0jjmWg/s400/IMG_6163.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bianca and Kaci</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqLHJfr38GE/Vd3LVAmt8uI/AAAAAAABdYk/HBcUrInjxuw/s1600/IMG_6164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqLHJfr38GE/Vd3LVAmt8uI/AAAAAAABdYk/HBcUrInjxuw/s400/IMG_6164.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three out of the original Fantastic Four...Sam's old school friends, Jacob and Dylan.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4jqBS8pw2yY/Vd3LcrVOKKI/AAAAAAABdYw/11YDSewJ5xs/s1600/IMG_6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4jqBS8pw2yY/Vd3LcrVOKKI/AAAAAAABdYw/11YDSewJ5xs/s400/IMG_6168.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Tomich, expecting a girl! after 4 boys, and Christy--holding a suprise a baby after 9 years of no babies and no plans for babies. &nbsp;And me. No babies for me, please.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJGfrctuOFs/Vd3RFlfZP4I/AAAAAAABdiI/tjfc6GksPlI/s1600/11872234_10206507015928407_3388328530187515907_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJGfrctuOFs/Vd3RFlfZP4I/AAAAAAABdiI/tjfc6GksPlI/s400/11872234_10206507015928407_3388328530187515907_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaci and Sarena, and old MOPS and lightning-chasing friend.</td></tr></tbody></table>Two of my bestest former roommates still live in Flagstaff. &nbsp;The bonds between us are as strong as ever, even though the years pass and even though I was a really messy roommate.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MmyWqEoCGbk/Vd3LdOFWCOI/AAAAAAABdY4/vbINil9f04s/s1600/IMG_6171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MmyWqEoCGbk/Vd3LdOFWCOI/AAAAAAABdY4/vbINil9f04s/s400/IMG_6171.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaci and Sarah--roommates for 2 years, one of the years full of ups and downs as one of our roommates died and half of us were engaged and one of us was student teaching which made her (me) even more messy than usual. &nbsp;"What's my ISSUE?!"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz_y6FILs9U/Vd3RJfeZqfI/AAAAAAABdi4/4H9_YDErCN8/s1600/11899813_10206506979887506_1996708560905799411_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz_y6FILs9U/Vd3RJfeZqfI/AAAAAAABdi4/4H9_YDErCN8/s400/11899813_10206506979887506_1996708560905799411_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaci and Amanda--who took me in when my other housing option fell through sophomore year. &nbsp;We didn't know anything about each other except that she was from a small town in the mountains and I was like totally from Orange County California. &nbsp;She also put up with me and all my stuff and I was there when her future husband (who she had hardly spoken to for a year while they were broken up) yelled up from the street below (in "Say Anything" style), "I love you, Amanda Wistoski" and they were married 3 months later.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nnn-Reomw0/Vd3RKVc6ZhI/AAAAAAABdjM/Qg06VQzLEZk/s1600/11958178_10206507000088011_8091810947508102358_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nnn-Reomw0/Vd3RKVc6ZhI/AAAAAAABdjM/Qg06VQzLEZk/s400/11958178_10206507000088011_8091810947508102358_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Amanda's many offspring, Nathan. &nbsp;Maybe these two will marry someday. &nbsp;They really hit it off.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FErVpHnqDSM/Vd3LnE-EYLI/AAAAAAABdZA/u3dc883AuEo/s1600/IMG_6172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FErVpHnqDSM/Vd3LnE-EYLI/AAAAAAABdZA/u3dc883AuEo/s400/IMG_6172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite park, Bushmaster. &nbsp;Towering pine trees, fun playground, and only a few stabbings every year.</td></tr></tbody></table>In addition to dinners and coffee dates with special friends, we had sweet times with the Rohrs--our close friends and Jeremy's old roommate from NAU. &nbsp;I remember telling Mariah that we were pregnant with Evan and Annie, and each time watching her swallow back tears as she yearned so badly for a baby, and seeing her genuine joy for me, her friend. &nbsp;She was there, literally when Annie was born, and we were there when they told us they were pregnant after 6 years of agonizing waiting. &nbsp;I remember Mariah saying that our girls would be friends, even though Annie is almost 2 years older. &nbsp;Well, they are now, and it is sweet to watch on so many levels.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_g-yhaTcrBc/Vd3L0iRgrsI/AAAAAAABdZI/3CTkXHpF1BA/s1600/IMG_6175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_g-yhaTcrBc/Vd3L0iRgrsI/AAAAAAABdZI/3CTkXHpF1BA/s400/IMG_6175.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie's note to Karli says: "I love you. I have so much fun."</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOWbhQEoKoY/Vd3L1aFaOxI/AAAAAAABdZM/NngVL8Idzbs/s1600/IMG_6178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOWbhQEoKoY/Vd3L1aFaOxI/AAAAAAABdZM/NngVL8Idzbs/s400/IMG_6178.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"He settles the childless woman in her home as the happy mother of children. &nbsp;Praise the Lord." --Psalm 113:9</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1h01X3bHtY/Vd3L2wA9xiI/AAAAAAABdZg/6VZRCWmLAlY/s1600/IMG_6181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1h01X3bHtY/Vd3L2wA9xiI/AAAAAAABdZg/6VZRCWmLAlY/s400/IMG_6181.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another infamous Evan photo bomb</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJcGLznjPe4/Vd3L3Vfyd5I/AAAAAAABdZo/1VaH2AJJWJ0/s1600/IMG_6183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJcGLznjPe4/Vd3L3Vfyd5I/AAAAAAABdZo/1VaH2AJJWJ0/s400/IMG_6183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We headed out of Flagstaff and felt the gravity of what was ahead of us. &nbsp;It felt like the point of no return. &nbsp;I played "Wide Open Spaces" by the Dixie Chicks as we drove out of Flagstaff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FpMTm5-o7Y/Vd3RIlyxBRI/AAAAAAABdio/zWtl_LsFTn8/s1600/11893277_10206507124931132_3418691009411923383_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FpMTm5-o7Y/Vd3RIlyxBRI/AAAAAAABdio/zWtl_LsFTn8/s400/11893277_10206507124931132_3418691009411923383_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my moments of tearful reflection, Jeremy and the kids had the super-sensitive response of making farting noises and fighting relentlessly over whose arm was in whose space and laughing hysterically while Jeremy pretended to make Mrs. Plump drive the car. &nbsp;Gets them every time.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uw1HmArf-UE/Vd3QkRHfi2I/AAAAAAABdho/YtM6B7uEXn4/s1600/IMG_6140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uw1HmArf-UE/Vd3QkRHfi2I/AAAAAAABdho/YtM6B7uEXn4/s400/IMG_6140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm3yg6nzRIA/Vd3RHOm4WxI/AAAAAAABdiU/J2l0nZ-KpJg/s1600/11884067_10206507159852005_1333282080436650189_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm3yg6nzRIA/Vd3RHOm4WxI/AAAAAAABdiU/J2l0nZ-KpJg/s400/11884067_10206507159852005_1333282080436650189_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We headed into Colorful Colorado, by way of a beautiful drive through the Navajo Reservation (listening to Rich Mullins, of course), and 30 seconds in New Mexico near Four Corners. I kept taking it all in, realizing that nothing in the Midwest was going to look anything like this.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9sN9JwE2eo/Vd3y20a0MjI/AAAAAAABdoU/7duk0xkRMbk/s1600/mon-valley-010213.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9sN9JwE2eo/Vd3y20a0MjI/AAAAAAABdoU/7duk0xkRMbk/s400/mon-valley-010213.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We oohed and aahhed at the beauty of Colorado, stopped at Walmart and filled what little space was left in the car with camping/food supplies, and then said a prayer that the car would make it over the upcoming mountain passes. &nbsp;I drove the next 3 hours with a knot in my stomach. We still weren't sure where we would sleep that night, and we also had to coordinate with Jeremy's brother, Jack, because he was driving up from Tucson to meet us in CO the next day.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P59YTWmnMIc/Vd3L3SHgKwI/AAAAAAABdZk/dpov3HVM-2M/s1600/IMG_6184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P59YTWmnMIc/Vd3L3SHgKwI/AAAAAAABdZk/dpov3HVM-2M/s400/IMG_6184.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a moose, one of several we saw much better than this on our trip. &nbsp;We saw some amazing animals. &nbsp;But the kids' favorites were always the domesticated dogs at the houses we slept at (Osa, Jigger, Lucy, Angel, Piper, Libby).</td></tr></tbody></table>We made it over Red Mountain pass...and it was amazing. &nbsp;Amazing. &nbsp;Old mines everywhere, peaks, snow, waterfalls, minerals, animals--even a bear!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Os5E4m1_MQ/Vd3L7VkSxdI/AAAAAAABdZ4/s0XKGWuadx8/s1600/IMG_6185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Os5E4m1_MQ/Vd3L7VkSxdI/AAAAAAABdZ4/s0XKGWuadx8/s400/IMG_6185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejlxeB7q7iY/Vd3L7nufVnI/AAAAAAABdZ8/CD9qE_DbSvQ/s1600/IMG_6188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejlxeB7q7iY/Vd3L7nufVnI/AAAAAAABdZ8/CD9qE_DbSvQ/s400/IMG_6188.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We made camp at the campground of someone we knew from years ago--and he let us stay for free, which was great!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni2xgENOr4s/Vd3L8RlcKDI/AAAAAAABdaI/ctJqSZLWh7Y/s1600/IMG_6190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni2xgENOr4s/Vd3L8RlcKDI/AAAAAAABdaI/ctJqSZLWh7Y/s400/IMG_6190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We spent the day exploring Ouray, CO. We loved it! &nbsp;And the hot springs pool was the best pool I think I have ever been to! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf4-3hhj92w/Vd3L8xX4W8I/AAAAAAABdaM/aYi4DfJrQwY/s1600/IMG_6191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf4-3hhj92w/Vd3L8xX4W8I/AAAAAAABdaM/aYi4DfJrQwY/s400/IMG_6191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4jrVI8dRbk/Vd3YA6Y7GmI/AAAAAAABdk4/DZum_Idhsoo/s1600/11951583_10206507169772253_7685633596011388672_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4jrVI8dRbk/Vd3YA6Y7GmI/AAAAAAABdk4/DZum_Idhsoo/s400/11951583_10206507169772253_7685633596011388672_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_grIgAUr-FY/Vd3UXWXS9GI/AAAAAAABdj8/M8W2wZ9nP-Y/s1600/11865306_10206507210333267_2307387916780631368_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_grIgAUr-FY/Vd3UXWXS9GI/AAAAAAABdj8/M8W2wZ9nP-Y/s400/11865306_10206507210333267_2307387916780631368_o.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We collected stickers along the way and put them on our cargo container as souvenirs to mark our journey. &nbsp;The pioneers marked graves of lost companions with stacks of stones along their way, thankfully we just paid too much money for colorful stickers. &nbsp;Just as meaningful, though, I'm sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfO-ed-LXfo/Vd3YAasK0cI/AAAAAAABdko/FkHr48L3Di8/s1600/11921860_10206507222653575_252810519321146096_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfO-ed-LXfo/Vd3YAasK0cI/AAAAAAABdko/FkHr48L3Di8/s400/11921860_10206507222653575_252810519321146096_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmTnWNgLOuk/Vd3YAQJMxNI/AAAAAAABdkw/yo1LRil5mwE/s1600/11894996_10206507312895831_2092998847098041002_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmTnWNgLOuk/Vd3YAQJMxNI/AAAAAAABdkw/yo1LRil5mwE/s400/11894996_10206507312895831_2092998847098041002_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here is evidence that I am on this trip. &nbsp;Hobo meals made from my hazy memory of the recipe from my girl scout days.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OuuB80SelA/Vd3L-M1IDaI/AAAAAAABdac/_72Td0dbHEo/s1600/IMG_6193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OuuB80SelA/Vd3L-M1IDaI/AAAAAAABdac/_72Td0dbHEo/s400/IMG_6193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />On our way out of Ouray, we stopped in Montrose to see where Jeremy and Jack lived for a few years when they were in elementary school. None of it seemed very picture-worthy, sorry guys. Then we headed on to Winter Park, CO.<br /><br />Here we are at the top of Monarch pass at 11,300 feet. &nbsp;I wasn't as stressed this time because we put some of our stuff in Jack's car. In my defense, Jeremy told me when we got the cargo container that we could put a dead body in there and still be fine, and then that totally wasn't true but I had already packed too much. &nbsp;I ended up consolidating all the extra stuff into one big suitcase that I nicknamed "the dead body" and it became much easier to deal with our stuff every night. I still cringed every time I looked at that dumb suitcase. &nbsp;Anyway, we made it through the mountains but we still didn't know where we were going to sleep. &nbsp;And I was afraid of bears.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QExRw_WMAWo/Vd3L_4xlDgI/AAAAAAABdao/CJDkRa2bLdM/s1600/IMG_6194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QExRw_WMAWo/Vd3L_4xlDgI/AAAAAAABdao/CJDkRa2bLdM/s400/IMG_6194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0gWZL4NpFDo/Vd3ZJhXmwHI/AAAAAAABdlU/jghe8w3NidI/s1600/11930919_10206507332376318_3355383576091856090_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0gWZL4NpFDo/Vd3ZJhXmwHI/AAAAAAABdlU/jghe8w3NidI/s400/11930919_10206507332376318_3355383576091856090_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WwYqWf4gJc/Vd3ZJhqI9RI/AAAAAAABdlc/5fZBIWDgC70/s1600/11874971_10206507347696701_2848442392221365771_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WwYqWf4gJc/Vd3ZJhqI9RI/AAAAAAABdlc/5fZBIWDgC70/s400/11874971_10206507347696701_2848442392221365771_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I couldn't stop exclaiming how beautiful everything was! &nbsp;We found an awesome campsite at Kenosha pass--it was cold! &nbsp;We found out later that we camped at over 10,000 feet! &nbsp;Sam got sick, but we all still had a pretty good time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPp6XL9GXss/Vd3MKizCvOI/AAAAAAABda4/Qf3ZCkCk11I/s1600/IMG_6199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPp6XL9GXss/Vd3MKizCvOI/AAAAAAABda4/Qf3ZCkCk11I/s400/IMG_6199.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3yiR21CXuk/Vd3MKwN6icI/AAAAAAABda8/9lZ-Gs5q_Eo/s1600/IMG_6200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3yiR21CXuk/Vd3MKwN6icI/AAAAAAABda8/9lZ-Gs5q_Eo/s400/IMG_6200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0J-W_WDKoY/Vd3MMfzC6HI/AAAAAAABdbQ/AZhC7yid4WU/s1600/IMG_6204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0J-W_WDKoY/Vd3MMfzC6HI/AAAAAAABdbQ/AZhC7yid4WU/s400/IMG_6204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Uncle Jack is an awesome campfire cook. &nbsp;Hamburgers and eggs and sausage. Yum! &nbsp;Much better than the cold pop tarts I was going to serve.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep1Di-GZZUY/Vd3MNl9edHI/AAAAAAABdbY/TFzNMYROTJc/s1600/IMG_6205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep1Di-GZZUY/Vd3MNl9edHI/AAAAAAABdbY/TFzNMYROTJc/s400/IMG_6205.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aI3op3pGKgY/Vd3MK8oucTI/AAAAAAABdbA/pV7PPdv7_go/s1600/IMG_6201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aI3op3pGKgY/Vd3MK8oucTI/AAAAAAABdbA/pV7PPdv7_go/s400/IMG_6201.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jlQHWC8xfc/Vd3MOIkwqRI/AAAAAAABdbc/XMBE1mXd6nI/s1600/IMG_6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jlQHWC8xfc/Vd3MOIkwqRI/AAAAAAABdbc/XMBE1mXd6nI/s400/IMG_6208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Our next stop was with Jeremy's friend/roommate from Kansas State University, Josh. &nbsp;His family (wife Christi, kids Abby and Hannah (son Caleb wasn't there)) welcomed us to their cabin in Winter Park. &nbsp;We had more great conversations, food, and enjoyment of the mountains. &nbsp;I couldn't believe how blessed we were with their hospitality in such a beautiful place (and at the last minute!). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ICVz7f4278/Vd3MOaKFXUI/AAAAAAABdbo/XPofRk2nLbk/s1600/IMG_6209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ICVz7f4278/Vd3MOaKFXUI/AAAAAAABdbo/XPofRk2nLbk/s400/IMG_6209.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5b3dqDfsHJU/Vd3MPHTbtHI/AAAAAAABdbs/lDMDfKqcDuI/s1600/IMG_6211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5b3dqDfsHJU/Vd3MPHTbtHI/AAAAAAABdbs/lDMDfKqcDuI/s400/IMG_6211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SYvNsz4bjY/Vd3MPaY6xcI/AAAAAAABdbw/ROnN34-64Go/s1600/IMG_6212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SYvNsz4bjY/Vd3MPaY6xcI/AAAAAAABdbw/ROnN34-64Go/s400/IMG_6212.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somehow I didn't get a picture of Christi and I, but here are Josh and Jeremy after they spent most of the day riding mountain bikes down the ski slopes. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>The kids did the Alpine slides and Annie did the bungee jump/trampoline. &nbsp;I told the kids the story about how my dad crashed us on the Alpine slide when I was little because he was trying to race my mom and sister in the other sled. &nbsp;Somehow, in true father fashion, he protected me from any scratches while he tore up his clothes pretty bad! &nbsp;My biggest fear was not that my kids would crash but that they would hold up everyone else who spent way too much money on the attraction by going way too slow. &nbsp;I am so much more motivated by peer pressure than physical safety, it is a weakness in my character, I admit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju7eSITuSMI/Vd3MeF_EfEI/AAAAAAABdcA/idboKPLlX7A/s1600/IMG_6214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju7eSITuSMI/Vd3MeF_EfEI/AAAAAAABdcA/idboKPLlX7A/s400/IMG_6214.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2bqnSh00EY/Vd3MeEJ0G3I/AAAAAAABdcE/j6dcQoI7jcM/s1600/IMG_6216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2bqnSh00EY/Vd3MeEJ0G3I/AAAAAAABdcE/j6dcQoI7jcM/s400/IMG_6216.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lu0C8lxG_Ko/Vd3MrB1LFWI/AAAAAAABdcQ/ItIsgCYIMIc/s1600/IMG_6218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lu0C8lxG_Ko/Vd3MrB1LFWI/AAAAAAABdcQ/ItIsgCYIMIc/s400/IMG_6218.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we left Winter Park with promises to not wait another 12 years to see the Skows again, I had butterflies in my stomach because I had made plans for us to stay the night with a friend I met at camp (for 2 weeks) when I was 18 and hadn't seen since. &nbsp;We had been penpals for a while in college and then reconnected a bit on Facebook. &nbsp;The kids kept saying, "Now WHO are we going to see? How do we know them?" and it felt a little crazy explaining it to them.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82xBKzmQcTo/Vd3lDIkgB7I/AAAAAAABdn8/WiUiQYmCc_c/s1600/summitministriesbuilding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82xBKzmQcTo/Vd3lDIkgB7I/AAAAAAABdn8/WiUiQYmCc_c/s400/summitministriesbuilding.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the camp we met at--an amazing place for seniors headed off to college, I recommend it highly!</td></tr></tbody></table>Well, within a few minutes of entering Amy's house and being welcomed by her family, I knew it wasn't crazy that we had come. &nbsp;We had so much to talk about and it seemed our husbands and kids had lots in common, too. &nbsp;Her husband, Bryan Dik, has a PhD and is a tenured professor at CSU. &nbsp;Amy and I could see right away why we had become so close during our time at camp. &nbsp;We just seemed like soul sisters. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8THPH_VbEnM/Vd3REw6GDuI/AAAAAAABdiA/EfZoTRTc5Mc/s1600/11866464_10153588780956450_8569833863588088008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8THPH_VbEnM/Vd3REw6GDuI/AAAAAAABdiA/EfZoTRTc5Mc/s320/11866464_10153588780956450_8569833863588088008_n.jpg" width="189" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q77qCR8hJRA/Vd3RHYnvICI/AAAAAAABdiY/pA0c6MVuIak/s1600/11885236_10153588781121450_3392276680250841152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q77qCR8hJRA/Vd3RHYnvICI/AAAAAAABdiY/pA0c6MVuIak/s320/11885236_10153588781121450_3392276680250841152_n.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZWWHxS-z38/Vd3MrRywmDI/AAAAAAABdcU/six_P045J3w/s1600/IMG_6219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZWWHxS-z38/Vd3MrRywmDI/AAAAAAABdcU/six_P045J3w/s320/IMG_6219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I could go on and on telling about how amazing it was to be there with the Dik family...but I will sum it up as the bond we have in Christ, that we could trust each other and be open with each other and that the Diks could share their home with us so freely. &nbsp;I hope my kids saw the power of God in our time there. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idQelZ1zP84/Vd3MvHMLWZI/AAAAAAABddM/q4cZRFsjTW0/s1600/IMG_6227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOb_HFpDNKc/Vd3MtnEG4wI/AAAAAAABdc0/j765ReCiVyo/s1600/IMG_6224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOb_HFpDNKc/Vd3MtnEG4wI/AAAAAAABdc0/j765ReCiVyo/s200/IMG_6224.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idQelZ1zP84/Vd3MvHMLWZI/AAAAAAABddM/q4cZRFsjTW0/s200/IMG_6227.JPG" width="200" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WM8n7AUlEcI/Vd3Mu_vfzBI/AAAAAAABddE/zE6B1WxJ9Ao/s1600/IMG_6226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WM8n7AUlEcI/Vd3Mu_vfzBI/AAAAAAABddE/zE6B1WxJ9Ao/s200/IMG_6226.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vfnh6ZpG7U/Vd3MtckIPaI/AAAAAAABdcs/A8ZKjbN_ThQ/s1600/IMG_6223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vfnh6ZpG7U/Vd3MtckIPaI/AAAAAAABdcs/A8ZKjbN_ThQ/s200/IMG_6223.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3gA_di8Tcs/Vd3lDEtrfBI/AAAAAAABdoA/lPmE-3a-6jk/s1600/Make_Job_Calling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3gA_di8Tcs/Vd3lDEtrfBI/AAAAAAABdoA/lPmE-3a-6jk/s400/Make_Job_Calling.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan travels and speaks on the topic of "Calling" around the world. &nbsp;He gave us a copy of his book, and later we saw that inside the cover he wrote "To Jeremy and Kaci, with admiration of your faithfulness to your calling." &nbsp;What continued encouragement we felt as we were lifted and supported by such wonderful people along our trip...it felt like we were buoyed up and sped along by each interaction, and it felt like such confirmation for our mission. &nbsp;It's like we crowd-surfed all the way to Chicago (bad analogy, but totally fitting).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8YJpnoGq-k/Vd3REwsWQEI/AAAAAAABdh8/HhnFlQau_YQ/s1600/11863272_10153588781021450_5957613506616009418_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8YJpnoGq-k/Vd3REwsWQEI/AAAAAAABdh8/HhnFlQau_YQ/s400/11863272_10153588781021450_5957613506616009418_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsYY-29Tsiw/Vd3RE_e5h3I/AAAAAAABdjY/2cK62NVmF3M/s1600/11113433_10153588781191450_2636869020869068443_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsYY-29Tsiw/Vd3RE_e5h3I/AAAAAAABdjY/2cK62NVmF3M/s400/11113433_10153588781191450_2636869020869068443_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We discussed recreating our old picture, but Amy admitted that she didn't have any short overalls or a winnie the pooh shirt anymore. &nbsp;Oh well.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtPOCwSxCao/Vd3RIcOZioI/AAAAAAABdiw/LmHL_3xr2t4/s1600/11891051_10153588781281450_490136864393830866_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtPOCwSxCao/Vd3RIcOZioI/AAAAAAABdiw/LmHL_3xr2t4/s400/11891051_10153588781281450_490136864393830866_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we drove away into East Colorado and flat Kansas, I grieved the loss of the mountains and the places of feeling so "known" and alive. &nbsp;Again, the kids fought and complained and that helped me move on. &nbsp;(Actually, I think the kids did pretty great, staying as guests so many places, and unpacking and repacking the car so many times, and having little to entertain them in the car due to technology-free summer and my husband's aversion to totebags full of knick knacks in the car).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJxyuXVv01E/Vd3MzVP_OCI/AAAAAAABddY/g-xywCP5WCk/s1600/IMG_6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJxyuXVv01E/Vd3MzVP_OCI/AAAAAAABddY/g-xywCP5WCk/s400/IMG_6230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We stopped at K State to do another tour of the past. &nbsp;It was hot and sticky, and the cicadas were so loud! &nbsp;We bribed the kids to finish the walking tour with ice cream from the on-campus dairy shop (they don't call it Aggie-ville for nothin'--this is farm country, and kids get degrees in milking cows and stuff). &nbsp;I tried to avoid looking at the signs in the buildings we entered that told where the students were to go in case of a tornado. &nbsp;These things were weighty to me as I contemplated the fact that I was moving to this part of the country.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymCjBzv7AsM/Vd3Mz8Gw3lI/AAAAAAABddk/kGqo1wydcjs/s1600/IMG_6231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymCjBzv7AsM/Vd3Mz8Gw3lI/AAAAAAABddk/kGqo1wydcjs/s400/IMG_6231.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__ZY2FBHip8/Vd3Z7fpzdrI/AAAAAAABdmg/jpmgBQWQkvQ/s1600/11885012_10206507366937182_6687244087850021528_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__ZY2FBHip8/Vd3Z7fpzdrI/AAAAAAABdmg/jpmgBQWQkvQ/s400/11885012_10206507366937182_6687244087850021528_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lundgrens make it through life on prayer and ice cream.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We spent some wonderful time with Jeremy's cousin who is like a sister in many ways. &nbsp;There were a lot of dogs to play with at their house, too, so Annie was happy terrorizing them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4u5m4fmwlnU/Vd3M8-GX1MI/AAAAAAABdd0/_-ptvOoJb5M/s1600/IMG_6233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4u5m4fmwlnU/Vd3M8-GX1MI/AAAAAAABdd0/_-ptvOoJb5M/s400/IMG_6233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKznUO39wf8/Vd3RW7C_0RI/AAAAAAABdjk/K1DSm_w-Ocg/s1600/11863493_10206959616729959_7062427446467615255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKznUO39wf8/Vd3RW7C_0RI/AAAAAAABdjk/K1DSm_w-Ocg/s320/11863493_10206959616729959_7062427446467615255_n.jpg" width="176" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXNKuoWnclA/Vd3M8wR3lHI/AAAAAAABddw/z3eVFUERlpQ/s1600/IMG_6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXNKuoWnclA/Vd3M8wR3lHI/AAAAAAABddw/z3eVFUERlpQ/s320/IMG_6235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWbcj78JexU/Vd3NF1X5ZRI/AAAAAAABdeE/N3_vuWDAIu0/s1600/IMG_6237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWbcj78JexU/Vd3NF1X5ZRI/AAAAAAABdeE/N3_vuWDAIu0/s400/IMG_6237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqWLrVenwtE/Vd3NF0CwgkI/AAAAAAABdeA/wb6gEcJF13g/s1600/IMG_6238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqWLrVenwtE/Vd3NF0CwgkI/AAAAAAABdeA/wb6gEcJF13g/s320/IMG_6238.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmXNSv5PLgI/Vd3RW3qEx6I/AAAAAAABdjo/7PtpZPntS5E/s1600/11870690_10206959617089968_3097209242968900645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmXNSv5PLgI/Vd3RW3qEx6I/AAAAAAABdjo/7PtpZPntS5E/s320/11870690_10206959617089968_3097209242968900645_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We visited Science City in Union Station and didn't have time for all the good stuff there. &nbsp;Kansas City is a really great place to go with kids, I'm serious.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCvAOauyzww/Vd3NLihYe1I/AAAAAAABdeU/hJmSO4-sXDs/s1600/IMG_6241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCvAOauyzww/Vd3NLihYe1I/AAAAAAABdeU/hJmSO4-sXDs/s400/IMG_6241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />While in Kansas City, we stayed with Jeremy's old friend from youth group and KSU, Kevin. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bESWq0FxvfU/Vd3NLj-F7ZI/AAAAAAABdeQ/zfAJTsLcHiE/s1600/IMG_6242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bESWq0FxvfU/Vd3NLj-F7ZI/AAAAAAABdeQ/zfAJTsLcHiE/s400/IMG_6242.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin doesn't always dress like a pink power ranger princess, he is just a great dad.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuswXRnzp6g/Vd3NLrgEGuI/AAAAAAABdeY/hp1U60EkXbA/s1600/IMG_6243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuswXRnzp6g/Vd3NLrgEGuI/AAAAAAABdeY/hp1U60EkXbA/s400/IMG_6243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-niYry4b7CrI/Vd3bdTDAXaI/AAAAAAABdnc/22VqGLUWIoY/s1600/11894032_10206507402138062_8735576707567270915_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-niYry4b7CrI/Vd3bdTDAXaI/AAAAAAABdnc/22VqGLUWIoY/s400/11894032_10206507402138062_8735576707567270915_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ucuo4LtCu48/Vd3NXOxEXwI/AAAAAAABdeo/AzhlV7GdWuQ/s1600/IMG_6244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ucuo4LtCu48/Vd3NXOxEXwI/AAAAAAABdeo/AzhlV7GdWuQ/s400/IMG_6244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pYOFX4nTVk/Vd3NXVWkf-I/AAAAAAABdes/Ud_H2YaFZ_I/s1600/IMG_6248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pYOFX4nTVk/Vd3NXVWkf-I/AAAAAAABdes/Ud_H2YaFZ_I/s400/IMG_6248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5tWEq3YZdU/Vd3NXSDzMQI/AAAAAAABdew/RSBXPOAa7zc/s1600/IMG_6249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5tWEq3YZdU/Vd3NXSDzMQI/AAAAAAABdew/RSBXPOAa7zc/s400/IMG_6249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />While we were staying with Kevin and Leslie, there was a reunion of their old youth group. &nbsp;We went, and Jeremy relished the opportunity to repay the favor of taking me somewhere with all of his old friends and me knowing no one, since it is so often the other way around. &nbsp;It was fun seeing older ladies who knew him when he was a young teenager exclaim when they saw him. &nbsp;He enjoyed seeing so many people after more than 20 years...and felt sort of funny to say that he was still...in college.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tak5oN2iDXY/Vd3NcAAaB6I/AAAAAAABdfA/zsJBTItzGnE/s1600/IMG_6251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tak5oN2iDXY/Vd3NcAAaB6I/AAAAAAABdfA/zsJBTItzGnE/s400/IMG_6251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIFlshy-WrM/Vd3NceAJpTI/AAAAAAABdfE/A3PENpNZg4E/s1600/IMG_6254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIFlshy-WrM/Vd3NceAJpTI/AAAAAAABdfE/A3PENpNZg4E/s400/IMG_6254.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like all the ladies on our trip, Leslie was another kindred spirit and wonderful hostess. &nbsp;We talked about lots of good stuff and enjoyed seeing our husbands together. &nbsp;They aren't just old friends, they are going to be lifelong friends.</td></tr></tbody></table>We began to feel really antsy about getting to Chicago, but didn't want to spend too much money on a hotel once we got there, so we made plans to camp for a few more nights in Missouri. &nbsp;Jack continued on with us, which was really great. &nbsp;We drove by the headquarters of the ministry he serves with, Child Evangelism Fellowship. &nbsp;We saw lots of dead armadillos but I never got my wish of seeing a live one.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z8rJCWGBxs/Vd3Z7a-0C1I/AAAAAAABdmc/f5bm1DEdZZ4/s1600/11891867_10206507356016909_5175682593723840323_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z8rJCWGBxs/Vd3Z7a-0C1I/AAAAAAABdmc/f5bm1DEdZZ4/s320/11891867_10206507356016909_5175682593723840323_o.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SobuD_aXZk/Vd3NqureHwI/AAAAAAABdfQ/bXAs4ioF4AU/s1600/IMG_6256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SobuD_aXZk/Vd3NqureHwI/AAAAAAABdfQ/bXAs4ioF4AU/s320/IMG_6256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NirN0U-_9sQ/Vd3NrLJPw3I/AAAAAAABdfU/jv2gX50r79o/s1600/IMG_6257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NirN0U-_9sQ/Vd3NrLJPw3I/AAAAAAABdfU/jv2gX50r79o/s400/IMG_6257.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan got really into chopping wood. &nbsp;Maybe we need to get that kid a hatchet for Christmas!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8rnaJmphWHc/Vd3NrO40b4I/AAAAAAABdfY/F_UB21ldBxY/s1600/IMG_6259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8rnaJmphWHc/Vd3NrO40b4I/AAAAAAABdfY/F_UB21ldBxY/s400/IMG_6259.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam was feeling sick again, poor guy.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCDWo-vfmyA/Vd3Nr3aN11I/AAAAAAABdfk/zBLFvAwwfKg/s1600/IMG_6260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCDWo-vfmyA/Vd3Nr3aN11I/AAAAAAABdfk/zBLFvAwwfKg/s400/IMG_6260.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We definitely communed with nature and felt the presence of the jungle-like forest of the Missouri woods. &nbsp;Very different from the pine forests of the west! And Annie got a tick stuck in her!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkZapwddWwA/Vd3NtNvdQOI/AAAAAAABdfw/l-qncPTD4Js/s1600/IMG_6262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkZapwddWwA/Vd3NtNvdQOI/AAAAAAABdfw/l-qncPTD4Js/s400/IMG_6262.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnlO_GledNU/Vd3NuHqxXuI/AAAAAAABdf4/I0XgJ27sSXw/s1600/IMG_6264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnlO_GledNU/Vd3NuHqxXuI/AAAAAAABdf4/I0XgJ27sSXw/s400/IMG_6264.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37DIi_aNT40/Vd3NuPdFlPI/AAAAAAABdf8/-BULpKH3zzw/s1600/IMG_6265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37DIi_aNT40/Vd3NuPdFlPI/AAAAAAABdf8/-BULpKH3zzw/s400/IMG_6265.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hiked to a spring, which turned out to be pretty small, but so refreshing!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Evan got his dream-come-true and got to see so many raccoons close up in person! &nbsp;They were soooooo cute...until night fell. &nbsp;Then, they lived up to their nickname of being bandits! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JRx9GUuYprI/Vd3NurpttqI/AAAAAAABdgA/oVKk76LVsr0/s1600/IMG_6266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JRx9GUuYprI/Vd3NurpttqI/AAAAAAABdgA/oVKk76LVsr0/s400/IMG_6266.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tkGQj6cRrg/Vd3N09FmDnI/AAAAAAABdgQ/TiIiuP9-bHI/s1600/IMG_6268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tkGQj6cRrg/Vd3N09FmDnI/AAAAAAABdgQ/TiIiuP9-bHI/s400/IMG_6268.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Jack and I spent the last night fighting off the raccoons--every time we turned around with our flashlights, those rascally shiny eyes would be there taunting us. &nbsp;Jack had to chase one down to get our pepper shaker, and I had no idea raccoons loved coffee so much! &nbsp;They almost got away with ours!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KDsTQBK3nY/Vd3N-J-ii9I/AAAAAAABdgY/NMvQ9mUzSYk/s1600/IMG_6269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KDsTQBK3nY/Vd3N-J-ii9I/AAAAAAABdgY/NMvQ9mUzSYk/s400/IMG_6269.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COb9z18hVb4/Vd3N-YX7kWI/AAAAAAABdgc/0tqoaO7mXmM/s1600/IMG_6272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COb9z18hVb4/Vd3N-YX7kWI/AAAAAAABdgc/0tqoaO7mXmM/s400/IMG_6272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Our last morning of camping, we packed up and then stopped outside of St. Louis to meet my cousins who happened to be driving through St. Louis on their way from Oregon to West Virginia. &nbsp;It was fun to make it work and meet as our paths crossed for the first time in over 20 years. &nbsp;Family is family and it is so wonderful to feel connected, no matter how many years pass. &nbsp;They were so sweet to want to make a detour to see us. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EXwRUuXK4/Vd3OJNRJI9I/AAAAAAABdgo/lZY3lM2WvLw/s1600/IMG_6274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EXwRUuXK4/Vd3OJNRJI9I/AAAAAAABdgo/lZY3lM2WvLw/s400/IMG_6274.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then it was the last leg of our trip, from Southern Illinois up to Chicagoland. I may have been worried that a tornado was forming a number of times along the way...whatever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihQO2VJQxtY/Vd3bdZTjYiI/AAAAAAABdnY/NZi0MP8-ns4/s1600/11227874_10206507394017859_7999966604871615390_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihQO2VJQxtY/Vd3bdZTjYiI/AAAAAAABdnY/NZi0MP8-ns4/s400/11227874_10206507394017859_7999966604871615390_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As we drove, I finished reading "The Watchmaker's Daughter" outloud to the kids. &nbsp;It is the autobiography of Corrie ten Boom, written for young people. &nbsp;It was so good to have her story in our minds as we all experienced a range of emotions about our move. &nbsp;She lived through extremely difficult conditions in a concentration camp during WWII, and yet she and her sister chose to see God's leading in where they had to go and always sought to serve others, no matter how bad things got. &nbsp;They thanked God for everything, and were a living proof that there can be beauty even in the hardest of times. &nbsp;Our move isn't that hard, and there are lots of good things about it. &nbsp;But it was good to be reminded of seeing our circumstances through God's eyes, and to be ready to serve Him, no matter what.<br /><br />So here is where the story ends for now, with a cargo-container full of colorful stickers and hearts full of the love we received on our journey. We go forward now, knowing the way might not be easy, but that the blessings along the way and the reward at the end are worth it. &nbsp;It's a long, hard road, with a good, good end.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJl5UKugIsY/Vd3OJoiAHfI/AAAAAAABdgw/-2NCPWpo3VE/s1600/IMG_6287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJl5UKugIsY/Vd3OJoiAHfI/AAAAAAABdgw/-2NCPWpo3VE/s400/IMG_6287.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abtGMuWyhks/Vd3OKTkaRmI/AAAAAAABdhA/CQ8ARck__1k/s1600/IMG_6289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abtGMuWyhks/Vd3OKTkaRmI/AAAAAAABdhA/CQ8ARck__1k/s400/IMG_6289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXknQyOREEU/Vd3OJYhGyDI/AAAAAAABdgs/FHoChUpVSnI/s1600/IMG_6288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXknQyOREEU/Vd3OJYhGyDI/AAAAAAABdgs/FHoChUpVSnI/s400/IMG_6288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-32121140651004209992015-07-22T11:23:00.001-07:002015-07-22T11:37:39.456-07:00Saying Goodbye to iHouse FullertonOne year ago, we committed to renting a house we couldn't afford with the plan to rent rooms to international students and with the hopes of building community and relationships. &nbsp;Now, a year later, we are planning to leave...with deeper relationships than we ever thought possible, and with the house continuing on in the same vein as our friends take it over and continue hosting students.<br /><br />Here are some of my reflections as I say this hard, hard goodbye:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAUp1dqMD5o/VX8K2_OxXQI/AAAAAAABcZI/OSQXz_CCfKI/s1600/janyls%2Bhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAUp1dqMD5o/VX8K2_OxXQI/AAAAAAABcZI/OSQXz_CCfKI/s400/janyls%2Bhouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp;I'm going to miss...<br /><br />...the roommates harassing each other about how clean or not clean the bathroom was on their assigned cleaning week.<br /><br />...Evan having his own personal soccer coach (Adam), who came to cheer him on in the championship soccer match<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFYKtilH18I/VX8WqDlDbrI/AAAAAAABcfc/WCkNg7C3C1c/s1600/IMG_5517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFYKtilH18I/VX8WqDlDbrI/AAAAAAABcfc/WCkNg7C3C1c/s400/IMG_5517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...coming home late (on the rare occassion when I was out of the house late alone) and pulling up into the driveway to see warm light coming through the window and people I loved around the kitchen table, talking about anything from butter being better (say that with a Pakistani accent, it is awesome) or the meaning of life.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1cn8dvwPP4/Va_ikcPS1oI/AAAAAAABdVc/RcDP9aobWbw/s1600/IMG_5696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1cn8dvwPP4/Va_ikcPS1oI/AAAAAAABdVc/RcDP9aobWbw/s400/IMG_5696.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>...introducing them to things like S'mores for the first time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXD4Dk0baFI/Va_KuHFF1eI/AAAAAAABdVE/J-PZxAnY2UE/s1600/IMG_5590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXD4Dk0baFI/Va_KuHFF1eI/AAAAAAABdVE/J-PZxAnY2UE/s320/IMG_5590.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZiRt1_2flY/VX8NTnnZAOI/AAAAAAABcZg/BqssRFbObjQ/s1600/WP_20150531_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZiRt1_2flY/VX8NTnnZAOI/AAAAAAABcZg/BqssRFbObjQ/s320/WP_20150531_002.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>...seeing one student helping another with maths (that's what they call it in British English), and all the free technological assistance from these tech geniuses.<br /><br />...laughing at the sight of two students huddled around a laptop in late into the night watching Iran vs. Iraq in soccer.<br /><br />...Adam and Janyl teasing each other like long-lost brother and sister<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4PijHMJxEY/VX8KKOSuzwI/AAAAAAABcWY/WEam37y0vyM/s1600/IMG_5404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4PijHMJxEY/VX8KKOSuzwI/AAAAAAABcWY/WEam37y0vyM/s320/IMG_5404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />...discovering the nuances of the English language along with my students as they ask me the difference between words like "commitment" and "promise" or "look" and "search." &nbsp;Once, Yousef asked me what the word for "a memory that makes you feel a little good and sad at the same time" and I said, "nostalgia." &nbsp;Mohammed from Iraq added that nostalgia in Arabic means "a memory with a sweet taste." &nbsp;I will also miss hearing Samuel be the best English tutor--explaining things in a way the students could really understand.<br /><br />...messages on our whiteboard. &nbsp;It's like we were secret pen-pals. &nbsp;But not secret. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UvtSqLyyEU/Va_icywadqI/AAAAAAABdVU/lqqONrrI9SU/s1600/IMG_6089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UvtSqLyyEU/Va_icywadqI/AAAAAAABdVU/lqqONrrI9SU/s320/IMG_6089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />...spending a Sunday with my mom, a brand new mom from Dubai/Egypt, and my special tutoring family who have memories of their mom on Mother's Day. &nbsp;(And the moment when Annie held a terrified-looking baby with glee for the first time)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2g5ySG6-Cw0/VX8Kd1I8FiI/AAAAAAABcX8/V5HIOf2mx1k/s1600/IMG_5431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2g5ySG6-Cw0/VX8Kd1I8FiI/AAAAAAABcX8/V5HIOf2mx1k/s320/IMG_5431.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnJbi_LDcjo/VX8KeHePekI/AAAAAAABcYE/ZPKzLNapHkM/s1600/IMG_5433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnJbi_LDcjo/VX8KeHePekI/AAAAAAABcYE/ZPKzLNapHkM/s320/IMG_5433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...talking delicately about news items in the kitchen, and having my eyes and heart opened to headlines I have read being told from a different perspective. Some were saddening, others were funny. Once, we were talking about Y2K and I was saying how Americans were worried that they would wake up and everything would be broken and ruined. &nbsp;Yousef said that in Saudi Arabia, they thought they would all wake up and find five million dollars in their bank accounts. &nbsp;That's a difference between American and Arab thinking! &nbsp;Another time we were talking about what American kids say when they dig a deep hole--"We're digging to China!" and Mohammed said that in Iraq, they always said "We're digging to the ocean!"<br /><br />...soccer games in the cul-de-sac and volleyball games in the backyard and falling down because I was laughing so hard.<br /><br /><span style="text-align: center;">...worrying about them when they came home late (which is preparing me for having my own college-aged children).</span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;">...the food. &nbsp;Cross-cultural experiences always involve lavish spreads of food. &nbsp;Don't blame me for the 10 pounds I gained this year, it's our international friends' faults.</span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMwlxOFpsqI/VX8JVDcR-jI/AAAAAAABcVU/qKQfOUvYL3I/s1600/IMG_5521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMwlxOFpsqI/VX8JVDcR-jI/AAAAAAABcVU/qKQfOUvYL3I/s320/IMG_5521.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMZkauiM1ds/VX8KM-4mUJI/AAAAAAABcXM/hPNenJcFfvw/s1600/IMG_5412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMZkauiM1ds/VX8KM-4mUJI/AAAAAAABcXM/hPNenJcFfvw/s320/IMG_5412.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ju1y2ajKHEs/VX8KKOswbcI/AAAAAAABcWc/e9l0NLV9Bec/s1600/IMG_5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ju1y2ajKHEs/VX8KKOswbcI/AAAAAAABcWc/e9l0NLV9Bec/s320/IMG_5405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVY_15YFhi4/VX8JVIwYznI/AAAAAAABcVY/u0LEEOgzHVo/s1600/IMG_5519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVY_15YFhi4/VX8JVIwYznI/AAAAAAABcVY/u0LEEOgzHVo/s320/IMG_5519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...that one time when I had the terrible idea of preparing curry for the Indian students who came over to eat and watch Bollywood movies. &nbsp;Um, yeah, hostessing fail. &nbsp;But we still had fun.</div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VteP-X_nI0/VX8DHenqQlI/AAAAAAABcTY/-UtO2wenD_Q/s1600/IMG_5216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VteP-X_nI0/VX8DHenqQlI/AAAAAAABcTY/-UtO2wenD_Q/s400/IMG_5216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"></span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>...funny things these guys say, like my concern that they don't properly refrigerate their food and Adam responding: "Kaci, I brought my stomach with me from Pakistan," or Yousef (after I scolded him for leaving a mess in the kitchen): "Tomorrow I will get a wife and be done with this problem." &nbsp;The next day, I asked him if he had gotten a wife and he said, "No, that is my mother's job. &nbsp;She chose wives for 4 of my brothers and they all have happy families." &nbsp;I warned the students one day that many children were coming for a birthday party and Yousef (who comes from a family with 26 children) shrugged and said, "Oh, it sounds just like my family."<br /><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdmOocY7e1E/Va-7tmxZxJI/AAAAAAABdTc/OPCu1mdl0Vs/s1600/IMG_6115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdmOocY7e1E/Va-7tmxZxJI/AAAAAAABdTc/OPCu1mdl0Vs/s400/IMG_6115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>...listening and watching these two sitting at the counter being sweet together.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eR_OzsY-g3w/Va-7sVf8XEI/AAAAAAABdTM/pyPBMW9VZc0/s1600/IMG_6114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eR_OzsY-g3w/Va-7sVf8XEI/AAAAAAABdTM/pyPBMW9VZc0/s400/IMG_6114.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MU-kybUCd-o/Va-7r5axxVI/AAAAAAABdTI/FrMseKPLgnw/s1600/IMG_6112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MU-kybUCd-o/Va-7r5axxVI/AAAAAAABdTI/FrMseKPLgnw/s400/IMG_6112.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The end of our time here at iHouse Fullerton is bittersweet. &nbsp;It is an upheaval for our students who were comfortable and happy here together, but good things do have to come to an end in order for us to grow and make room for more good things in our hearts. &nbsp;In this last month here, our two car batteries died, a child of ours puked terribly and repeatedly inside the interior of the one vehicle we are taking with us, my phone fell in the toilet and died, Sam broke his arm, and it rained on our goodbye party. &nbsp;Yousef said "The house is angry at you for leaving." &nbsp;I am sad that we only went to the beach for less than two hours, that I didn't get to take the students on a day trip somewhere like I promised, that there is no more time for silly games and family dinners, that I won't get to annoy a sleepy Adam in the kitchen in the morning, or tease a cheerful Yousef about his messes, or answer Mohammed's questions about life in America and what I was like as a child, or try to eavesdrop on Mohammad as he makes secret plans to take over the world. &nbsp;Janyl is coming to help me clean one last time...for old time's sake, but I already miss her laugh and cheerful disposition. &nbsp;Man, she sure covered up for those boys by always cleaning the kitchen those first few months! &nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DdBp8LbC1_o/VX8KLZtEFFI/AAAAAAABcWs/9ElCwOjclZ0/s1600/IMG_5408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DdBp8LbC1_o/VX8KLZtEFFI/AAAAAAABcWs/9ElCwOjclZ0/s400/IMG_5408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And we will miss all our guests, long and short ones...our times were special and many remarked about the joy they experienced here. &nbsp;We have a guestbook that our guests have signed (I only sometimes forced them to) and repeatedly, they have mentioned the warm feeling in our house. &nbsp;I can only say that I experienced it, too. &nbsp;I was not the giver of the warm feeling and my banana muffins are not the best in the world, it is a warmth that flows from the peace that we have through Jesus' forgiveness and a joy that overflows because of how He has welcomed us, the weak and poor and heavy-laden sojourners in a pilgrim land. &nbsp;We have experienced it and been blessed by the spirit of this home right along with all of you guys.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqyedSabJOU/Va_GOg3DEWI/AAAAAAABdUE/qj_xfyhkeZY/s1600/V__D048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqyedSabJOU/Va_GOg3DEWI/AAAAAAABdUE/qj_xfyhkeZY/s400/V__D048.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know if the kids totally understand the uniqueness of this year but I could see it in their sad reaction to us realizing we couldn't host students next year in Chicago. &nbsp;It has been hard to see this passion of ours for living life together with "strangers" shrunk away as we realized what we could afford during the next phase of our life and recognizing the way that God seemed to be leading, but over the past 2 weeks, I have quietly realized a deeper vision. &nbsp;Even if we don't have students officially living with us (which we still hope to do in the future), we have a passion for people and for hospitality. &nbsp;A few of our students and even some long-time friends have shared with me (in uncanny timing, of course, as I was pondering these things) that they are lonely and want a friend. &nbsp;Two of our students within days of each other confided in me that they want American friends, but everybody is too busy. &nbsp;"How will I make a friend?" they asked. &nbsp;So that is my new vision, as I go off to a place with no known friends nearby: to be a friend to those who need it. &nbsp;It may sound simple, but to me, it is a battle-cry that moves my heart. &nbsp;So even though our new house has outdated flooring and a tiny kitchen and no extra bedrooms (said the American woman who lives like a queen compared to most), we will open our doors and invite outsiders in. &nbsp;Always.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WISOt0huviI/Va_Bo5sSFCI/AAAAAAABdTw/IF9tsNXX3Bc/s1600/IS1nywua0178mc1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WISOt0huviI/Va_Bo5sSFCI/AAAAAAABdTw/IF9tsNXX3Bc/s400/IS1nywua0178mc1000000000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You, yes you who are reading this post, can experience the joy of hospitality like we have. &nbsp;You can invite people to your imperfection and pray that God will show you someone who needs a friend. &nbsp;You can inquire about American friendship programs at your local university or start one yourself. &nbsp;You could even rent out your spare bedroom to an international student who wants to do a homestay. &nbsp;One of our wonderful, responsible, conscientious (I taught him that word because it describes him perfectly) students still needs a room ASAP. &nbsp;Yes, they will cook in the middle of the night and misunderstand you and something might even get broken, and you will annoy them, too. &nbsp;But great things will happen, things the United Nations doesn't even comprehend (countries and religions who can't seem to get along in the world see eye-to-eye over food prepared with love. The UN needs to start baking cookies together). You will learn each other's differences and even disagree but love each other fiercely. &nbsp;You will never read the news the same. You will experience their joy as you take them to the beach or the mountains for the first time. They will wear their nicest clothes to your Thanksgiving dinner and suddenly your traditions will gain a new richness as they eagerly listen to you explain them. &nbsp;You will be blessed more than you know. &nbsp;You will eat good food and learn new things and see the ways other cultures are funny and beautiful (really, you will laugh a lot!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kb9-CRBCQ7Q/Va_Iu5TCvUI/AAAAAAABdUY/A9Goi0tdjjk/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh2oV5GR9jc/Va_JMStXm0I/AAAAAAABdUw/H6YTZFV0-is/s1600/Downtown%2BLA%2B035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh2oV5GR9jc/Va_JMStXm0I/AAAAAAABdUw/H6YTZFV0-is/s320/Downtown%2BLA%2B035.JPG" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kb9-CRBCQ7Q/Va_Iu5TCvUI/AAAAAAABdUY/A9Goi0tdjjk/s320/062.JPG" width="240" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_g33Vfu9r4/Va_IpxxH52I/AAAAAAABdUQ/CzaaK3LIW4o/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_g33Vfu9r4/Va_IpxxH52I/AAAAAAABdUQ/CzaaK3LIW4o/s320/050.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rDbetbUFERA/Va_I2VdnkzI/AAAAAAABdUg/0fe9G3HNz0g/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rDbetbUFERA/Va_I2VdnkzI/AAAAAAABdUg/0fe9G3HNz0g/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF56Ij1pFB4/Va_I9WoX2GI/AAAAAAABdUo/tHFgPqCDEfA/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF56Ij1pFB4/Va_I9WoX2GI/AAAAAAABdUo/tHFgPqCDEfA/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjEAnqgy_fU/Va_JMWis4cI/AAAAAAABdU0/q8VJuk0BHX8/s1600/Downtown%2BLA%2B033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjEAnqgy_fU/Va_JMWis4cI/AAAAAAABdU0/q8VJuk0BHX8/s320/Downtown%2BLA%2B033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And hanging out with international students opens up the possibility of receiving really rad gifts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCDHyWymUyw/VX8XECDeWdI/AAAAAAABcfk/DGJYu-YPQ5g/s1600/WP_20150615_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCDHyWymUyw/VX8XECDeWdI/AAAAAAABcfk/DGJYu-YPQ5g/s320/WP_20150615_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year has been one of the richest and best years of my life. &nbsp;Maybe because it was only a year and it ended while it was still sweet, maybe because we had wanted it for so long, maybe because we got the best students in the world...or maybe because God loves giving good gifts to his children. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vBgzBH4oVA/Va_CAIyUqOI/AAAAAAABdT4/ayQ2ezj0XqA/s1600/ihousenovember2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vBgzBH4oVA/Va_CAIyUqOI/AAAAAAABdT4/ayQ2ezj0XqA/s400/ihousenovember2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To our original four: &nbsp;Thank you for making this dream a reality for us and for being more wonderful than we could have ever imagined. &nbsp;You will forever have a spot in our family. &nbsp;We love each of you. &nbsp;Thank you for opening your lives to us. &nbsp;To Yousef, Nadine, Mahmoud, and our adopted friends Alexandra, Hakam, Safaa, and all the rest: &nbsp;May God richly bless you and keep you and draw you to Himself. &nbsp;We love you all and you are always part of our family and can stay with us whenever you need!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-33031578574947282452015-07-07T08:56:00.002-07:002015-07-07T09:01:22.626-07:00Too Much Moving: An UpdateIf you read the title of this post and thought I was complaining due to an achy back from packing boxes and scrubbing door jams late into the night, you are wrong. &nbsp;I've packed a box or two, but life keeps calling and we go. &nbsp;I think the hardest part about moving is the way the process of transition and packing (which I haven't figured out how to skip) seems to "steal" from the here and now. &nbsp;So my tendency is to say yes to the invitations and road trips and can't quite buckle down to start the hard work of packing. &nbsp;So today is my day. &nbsp;After I finish this blog post.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AD0tnKyFEs0/VZv0he8-O4I/AAAAAAABdQk/lSY0DwkDK5o/s1600/IMG_6015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AD0tnKyFEs0/VZv0he8-O4I/AAAAAAABdQk/lSY0DwkDK5o/s400/IMG_6015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I feel a little weird about our move--I mean, moves are always responsible for inducing a roller coaster of emotions, but this one feels really strange. &nbsp;I've never been to Chicago, but then again, I had never been to Kazakhstan, either. &nbsp;We are having to say goodbye to my parents, but then I've said goodbye to them before, and I never imagined I would live so close to them for 3 years, and that feels like a gift. &nbsp;We've wanted the opportunity for Jeremy to get a PhD for almost 6 years, but we don't feel ready (I mean if I feel weird, that poor guy has to become proficient in German (snort) and be reading books that would put you and I to sleep in 30 seconds before the start of classes that are in like a month). &nbsp;We had a hard time saying goodbye in Flagstaff, and now we are going to drive back through (headed in the opposite direction) and say goodbye again. &nbsp;The list goes on and on.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ1K_6czyu8/VZv0_AscfcI/AAAAAAABdQs/rTZhdxkhroE/s1600/IMG_6018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ1K_6czyu8/VZv0_AscfcI/AAAAAAABdQs/rTZhdxkhroE/s400/IMG_6018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Yes, our cul-de-sac has been graced with a Christmas tree in the window all year long)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fV23McqJenI/VZv0_cWLeoI/AAAAAAABdQw/R6TGj7GPsNg/s1600/IMG_6030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fV23McqJenI/VZv0_cWLeoI/AAAAAAABdQw/R6TGj7GPsNg/s400/IMG_6030.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9ScVOhKoqM/VZv0_eiG4BI/AAAAAAABdQ0/6ZUb9-JqG6o/s1600/IMG_6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9ScVOhKoqM/VZv0_eiG4BI/AAAAAAABdQ0/6ZUb9-JqG6o/s400/IMG_6022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's hard to decide what to do here in So Cal with the little time we have left. &nbsp;The last two weeks have been filled with road trippin' with my mom (and dad)--we went to Palm Springs, my grandparent's (now my uncle's) ranch in Utah, and my sister's house in San Diego. &nbsp;We have had rich times together, connecting with family and enjoying each other's company, but I still want to go to the beach a few times, go to an Angels game, visit Carlsbad, take our students somewhere fun, go to LA and see the space shuttle we never got to, etc. &nbsp;And the kids' So Cal bucket list is like their favorite parks and local places and there are just too many to go do all of them! &nbsp;PLUS all the people. I wake up calm in the morning for a few minutes and then I feel my blood pressure sky-rocket as I immediately feel seconds, minutes, hours, days, slipping away. &nbsp;I think it isn't even necessary that we revisit all our favorite places--why can't I be satisfied with the good memory I already have of somewhere instead of thinking I need to rush to all those places "one last time" as if I'm a dog marking my territory? &nbsp;It's hard for me sometimes, living in America with our charmed lives of entertainment and glorious weather (well okay, specifically CA on that one, Chicago not so much) and everything wonderful for our kids to do and we're constantly trying to store up good experiences...like good-experience hoarders. &nbsp;But my kids are happy, we've been blessed, and now I am in danger of feeling cheated or dissatisfied all because I think of something fun I wish we could do and now we don't have time. &nbsp;I have no deep thoughts or pithy statements about this phenomenon except to just state it as it is and then report back to you on how I got through it. &nbsp;I did read in Psalm 90 this morning--and it was filled with statements about our times being in God's hands and our lives being fleeting, like a breath, and our dwelling place being with God and him establishing the work of our hands. &nbsp;It was so applicable! &nbsp;Which brings me to my next update: our plans for Chicago.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3J6raLn8VY/VZv1Am9uhTI/AAAAAAABdQ4/p0co1t5w5jE/s1600/IMG_6035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3J6raLn8VY/VZv1Am9uhTI/AAAAAAABdQ4/p0co1t5w5jE/s400/IMG_6035.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our plans for Chicago are that we have had countless plans and have spent countless hours and many high-blood pressure moments pursuing said plans, and at this moment, we have 0% of anything about our upcoming move (on July 25th, I think) actually planned. &nbsp;For those who might have missed it, we are moving to the Chicago area (because, see, I shouldn't even really actually be allowed to say Chicago because I never let Jeremy say we lived in LA because we don't, we live in Orange County, so now the same rule applies to me because we probably won't actually live in the city of Chicago but a suburb, so this is a touchy subject among city-dwellers and suburban folks so whatever), ANYWAY (this is totally an insight into how my brain works, if you ever wondered. &nbsp;Can you imagine what it's like to be Jeremy?),we are moving to Chicago-ish for Jeremy to get a PhD at Wheaton College. &nbsp;Everyone who has been to Wheaton loves it, but I haven't been there so I don't know much. &nbsp;Except that there aren't mountains. &nbsp;That stinks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqEH0KcT-V8/VZv2U6oiU0I/AAAAAAABdSM/SHwRSefgst8/s1600/IMG_5854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqEH0KcT-V8/VZv2U6oiU0I/AAAAAAABdSM/SHwRSefgst8/s400/IMG_5854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We "planned" to sell our house in Flagstaff ("The market's hot, houses are in high demand!" they told us) but that was a futile attempt. &nbsp;Because we didn't sell our house in Flag, we decided we couldn't buy in Illinois, so we stopped spending hours looking for houses to buy and fix up and turn into an international student house like we have here in Fullerton. &nbsp;We started looking at rentals, but there weren't a lot and we were all over the map with ideas of where we could live, how we could commute, how we could rent rooms to students, etc. &nbsp;In the meantime, Jeremy's work gave him permission to stay on as a part-time employee, working remotely from Illinois, so that was an answer to prayer and a huge provision (well, depends on how you look at it--aren't we crazy for celebrating his pay being cut in half? :) ). &nbsp;He went out there last week to look at rentals for us, and part way through the week changed gears and started looking to buy again. &nbsp;What we can afford (hopefully) is quite "modest" (ahem), so our plans of housing students or living in some exciting part of town were edited, and now we are looking at small houses that need some fixing as near to Wheaton College as possible. &nbsp;Pray for us to find the right house and to be able to close quickly! &nbsp;We want the kids to be able to transition as smoothly as possible, and it would be great to know where they will be going to school. &nbsp;I sent Jeremy off saying, "Spy on people's backyards, looking for trampolines and swing sets so we can live somewhere that the kids will have friends," and he did.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuMcYdxFSXs/VZv1Aku6Y8I/AAAAAAABdRI/zPxD-JI8Vbk/s1600/IMG_6047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuMcYdxFSXs/VZv1Aku6Y8I/AAAAAAABdRI/zPxD-JI8Vbk/s400/IMG_6047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />That's the crazy thing about doing research and trying to make a "plan" when moving to a new place. &nbsp;You can't tell from Google street view (though believe me, we've tried) what the neighbors are going to be like or what experiences you are going to have. &nbsp;Placentia, CA doesn't look that exciting on a map, but it was a great place to grow up, and for the past 3 years was where we had great neighbors and made so many new friends. &nbsp; If we could just stop making new friends every time we move, this whole thing would be a lot easier! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akQD9tTInhI/VZv1K-kkzpI/AAAAAAABdRU/wpksVqTqRQA/s1600/IMG_6053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akQD9tTInhI/VZv1K-kkzpI/AAAAAAABdRU/wpksVqTqRQA/s320/IMG_6053.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GcLBo32I1k/VZv1K9nYdfI/AAAAAAABdRc/WHDyGDC8Ins/s1600/IMG_6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GcLBo32I1k/VZv1K9nYdfI/AAAAAAABdRc/WHDyGDC8Ins/s320/IMG_6050.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wjp5CFHbCmI/VZv1-kzGxwI/AAAAAAABdRs/gzrGtgnpa84/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wjp5CFHbCmI/VZv1-kzGxwI/AAAAAAABdRs/gzrGtgnpa84/s400/IMG_6046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjpbY3_N2z8/VZv1KztrEiI/AAAAAAABdRY/TE8CfdJDsvk/s1600/IMG_6044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjpbY3_N2z8/VZv1KztrEiI/AAAAAAABdRY/TE8CfdJDsvk/s400/IMG_6044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I need to get off to cleaning and packing and fretting more about how to spend my last days here, but thanks for joining us on our journey. &nbsp;Probably everyone reading this blog is a friend we've made along the way, and we value you and the impact you've had on our life, no matter how big or small it's been. &nbsp;We love God and people, and we see God in you all--how you have loved us and supported us in our pilgrim life. &nbsp;And whenever we settle down at home, wherever that is...you are welcome to come over! &nbsp;<a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2014/10/dinners-at-six.html" target="_blank">Dinner's at 6</a>. &nbsp;(Except maybe not everyone at once because like I said, small house).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-342NdMZZOHs/VZv2ToYpC2I/AAAAAAABdR4/XHdE8PwpT7A/s1600/IMG_5820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-342NdMZZOHs/VZv2ToYpC2I/AAAAAAABdR4/XHdE8PwpT7A/s400/IMG_5820.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-79847605520122964842015-06-25T09:31:00.002-07:002015-06-25T09:31:17.944-07:00Sports<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Somehow, despite what I thought was my careful planning, I ended up with 3 kids in activities at the same time. &nbsp;It got a little crazy, but we made it through and they all did well! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Evan was on the Blue Knights for soccer. He loves playing goalie. &nbsp;They made it to the playoffs and had an exciting semi-final game which they one in shoot outs after overtime. &nbsp;They didn't win the final, but it was a good season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QO-5KGKBYdk/VX8ZdqlMNYI/AAAAAAABcig/xDre5us2X_E/s1600/IMG_5373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QO-5KGKBYdk/VX8ZdqlMNYI/AAAAAAABcig/xDre5us2X_E/s400/IMG_5373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF0uogNtIJg/VX8ZdvmOIJI/AAAAAAABcik/Udetw4shlbI/s1600/IMG_5376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF0uogNtIJg/VX8ZdvmOIJI/AAAAAAABcik/Udetw4shlbI/s400/IMG_5376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYmjUeysvQs/VX8ZdTDIUDI/AAAAAAABcic/fIV4rVibbUk/s1600/IMG_5377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYmjUeysvQs/VX8ZdTDIUDI/AAAAAAABcic/fIV4rVibbUk/s400/IMG_5377.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pkLxJo1e9c/VX8Zf6vXDgI/AAAAAAABci0/-vhyjg-asWs/s1600/IMG_5378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pkLxJo1e9c/VX8Zf6vXDgI/AAAAAAABci0/-vhyjg-asWs/s400/IMG_5378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfmlUOYg8Z0/VX8ZgEuQdII/AAAAAAABci4/MGyhzlAA1qc/s1600/IMG_5380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfmlUOYg8Z0/VX8ZgEuQdII/AAAAAAABci4/MGyhzlAA1qc/s400/IMG_5380.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRe5xgekarc/VX8ZgJDLrjI/AAAAAAABci8/W9Dp5W1eh-M/s1600/IMG_5381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRe5xgekarc/VX8ZgJDLrjI/AAAAAAABci8/W9Dp5W1eh-M/s400/IMG_5381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fX9fti3bPfo/VX8Zh0xMkHI/AAAAAAABcjM/2CiL8HQqt8c/s1600/IMG_5383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fX9fti3bPfo/VX8Zh0xMkHI/AAAAAAABcjM/2CiL8HQqt8c/s400/IMG_5383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_XBv8RITyA/VX8ZihU-OTI/AAAAAAABcjU/2QcuelMvtqs/s1600/IMG_5385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_XBv8RITyA/VX8ZihU-OTI/AAAAAAABcjU/2QcuelMvtqs/s400/IMG_5385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mjvE8MaLcM/VX8ZkfCsU5I/AAAAAAABcjk/mmwpIU_uZwA/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mjvE8MaLcM/VX8ZkfCsU5I/AAAAAAABcjk/mmwpIU_uZwA/s400/IMG_5388.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwOfXTSz9SQ/VX8ZmEHbqzI/AAAAAAABcj4/SA3PZaE6Epo/s1600/IMG_5391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwOfXTSz9SQ/VX8ZmEHbqzI/AAAAAAABcj4/SA3PZaE6Epo/s400/IMG_5391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkhyVQklKJk/VX8dNyosa0I/AAAAAAABclo/qemfcAHTbzA/s1600/IMG_5511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkhyVQklKJk/VX8dNyosa0I/AAAAAAABclo/qemfcAHTbzA/s320/IMG_5511.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iklil8qN0dA/VX8dODpO9xI/AAAAAAABcls/x-9Amtn709E/s1600/IMG_5506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iklil8qN0dA/VX8dODpO9xI/AAAAAAABcls/x-9Amtn709E/s320/IMG_5506.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Dctc9R4_I/VX8bzFesdGI/AAAAAAABclY/7cTBogBWxWQ/s1600/WP_20150509_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Dctc9R4_I/VX8bzFesdGI/AAAAAAABclY/7cTBogBWxWQ/s400/WP_20150509_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEV7UC0HJZc/VX8dNYwlHYI/AAAAAAABclk/Ik6YgAoI8x8/s1600/IMG_5518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEV7UC0HJZc/VX8dNYwlHYI/AAAAAAABclk/Ik6YgAoI8x8/s320/IMG_5518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Annie had her last recital at 5 Star Dance Academy. &nbsp;She loves ballet and tap and her teacher, Miss Sabrina (who I went to high school with). &nbsp;We're going to miss this place!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIlAKihTaEk/VX8ZnA9rvlI/AAAAAAABckE/KCXDZEqNipg/s1600/IMG_5417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIlAKihTaEk/VX8ZnA9rvlI/AAAAAAABckE/KCXDZEqNipg/s400/IMG_5417.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrYOVC7sce4/VX8ZnSZTljI/AAAAAAABckI/k0FcZJrYzM0/s1600/IMG_5418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrYOVC7sce4/VX8ZnSZTljI/AAAAAAABckI/k0FcZJrYzM0/s400/IMG_5418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6COxxb67Kdc/VX8Znxn4ZhI/AAAAAAABckM/wVCrgBol0sQ/s1600/IMG_5420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6COxxb67Kdc/VX8Znxn4ZhI/AAAAAAABckM/wVCrgBol0sQ/s400/IMG_5420.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has that performer quality to her, it's so fun to watch, even if her dancing isn't perfect! &nbsp;This is "A Dream is a Wish"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Aw8GQNzYCw/VX8Zo_S9KCI/AAAAAAABckY/aq4kWP49BBA/s1600/IMG_5421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Aw8GQNzYCw/VX8Zo_S9KCI/AAAAAAABckY/aq4kWP49BBA/s400/IMG_5421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olZ2DAxHjD4/VX8ZpwRDJaI/AAAAAAABckk/4wZ1Nc-RRvc/s1600/IMG_5422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olZ2DAxHjD4/VX8ZpwRDJaI/AAAAAAABckk/4wZ1Nc-RRvc/s400/IMG_5422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUxbgfw6WV4/VX8bzUgtFcI/AAAAAAABclI/1KsCF5w-01Q/s1600/WP_20150509_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUxbgfw6WV4/VX8bzUgtFcI/AAAAAAABclI/1KsCF5w-01Q/s400/WP_20150509_007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/siAhI7tFxQQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tf_Jficiku0/VX8Zp-QE5TI/AAAAAAABckg/C6mplwaNSUk/s1600/IMG_5424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tf_Jficiku0/VX8Zp-QE5TI/AAAAAAABckg/C6mplwaNSUk/s400/IMG_5424.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is her "Poker Face" costume for tap. &nbsp;I didn't get a video, but that's okay because I saw it with my eyes :)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sam played flag football for the first time this year. &nbsp;He was chosen to be the center for the team, which was a good position for him (though he is ready to start tackling guys!). &nbsp;His team did well, they were undefeated in their division. &nbsp;I asked Sam if his coach had played football and he said something about quarterback in the Rose Bowl or something? &nbsp;So Jeremy and I googled him and were pretty impressed to see that he had been the quarterback that lead the Oregon Ducks to the Rose Bowl in 1994. &nbsp;He had to hide how small he was by wearing a thick overcoat during his recruitment trip to Oregon, which we thought was pretty interesting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p62bbhorDZU/VX8byXcNFkI/AAAAAAABck8/Ga-X5rJPMeU/s1600/WP_20150501_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p62bbhorDZU/VX8byXcNFkI/AAAAAAABck8/Ga-X5rJPMeU/s400/WP_20150501_003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Urn6aALfXt8/VYwqz74tivI/AAAAAAABdO8/KAZPVFobj3c/s320/IMG_5815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjkmFrMbUis/VYwq0t_FjqI/AAAAAAABdPI/qjkzq8bVFik/s1600/IMG_5816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjkmFrMbUis/VYwq0t_FjqI/AAAAAAABdPI/qjkzq8bVFik/s320/IMG_5816.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-86843764235961027012015-06-25T09:18:00.000-07:002015-06-25T09:19:51.659-07:00Diary of a Technology-Free Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Because 2 out of 3 of our kids are constantly looking sideways at the computer, and because said kids are prone to act like little gollums when video game time is over, and because we want our kids to have opportunities to experience the full range of human emotions (boredom and drudgery included), we decided to take a break from video games this summer. &nbsp;There is something about going cold turkey that works--there is a calmness and acceptance of their day and what it will bring (for the most part) that wasn't there when video games were always a possibility. &nbsp;We aren't against them, but as Jeremy pointed out, the makers of the video games want them to keep playing video games and are not very interested in teaching them patience, integrity, service, and they don't burn very many calories. <br /><br />So here's a snapshot of what our technology-free summer looks like so far...and it is being shared with packing to move to Chicago so I can't do ALL the things I would love to do with the kids, but they are learning how be calm. &nbsp;(Though I am finding that reading books is their fall-back option, so I think I am the only mother in the contiguous United States that is restricting reading this summer).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5ZGkA39-Dk/VX8wx4swNtI/AAAAAAABc8g/Z96FJUDRikU/s1600/WP_20150613_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5ZGkA39-Dk/VX8wx4swNtI/AAAAAAABc8g/Z96FJUDRikU/s320/WP_20150613_003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkX35V8LdQw/VX8wyqvaI8I/AAAAAAABc8s/6chqnKF77Hs/s1600/WP_20150613_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkX35V8LdQw/VX8wyqvaI8I/AAAAAAABc8s/6chqnKF77Hs/s320/WP_20150613_004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Despite our tendency to over-indulge on reading, we did participate in our library's summer reading program kick-off party.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Kuctizy9OU/VX8wzIN7T2I/AAAAAAABc8w/c-QnfS6mEuY/s1600/WP_20150613_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Kuctizy9OU/VX8wzIN7T2I/AAAAAAABc8w/c-QnfS6mEuY/s320/WP_20150613_005.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xG7cPZT4Tk4/VX8wz1Xmi7I/AAAAAAABc84/cPzNRe9CXXA/s1600/WP_20150613_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xG7cPZT4Tk4/VX8wz1Xmi7I/AAAAAAABc84/cPzNRe9CXXA/s320/WP_20150613_006.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgnHolPboSE/VX8w0OavqFI/AAAAAAABc9A/kgl5XSkQmHk/s1600/WP_20150613_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgnHolPboSE/VX8w0OavqFI/AAAAAAABc9A/kgl5XSkQmHk/s320/WP_20150613_008.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jgr9DX8cS60/VX8w0qg1zFI/AAAAAAABc9E/OdmhcyQubYA/s1600/WP_20150613_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jgr9DX8cS60/VX8w0qg1zFI/AAAAAAABc9E/OdmhcyQubYA/s320/WP_20150613_009.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpA-FRMvK-c/VX8w1IuDPLI/AAAAAAABc9M/KdTKCXdaVGY/s1600/WP_20150613_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpA-FRMvK-c/VX8w1IuDPLI/AAAAAAABc9M/KdTKCXdaVGY/s320/WP_20150613_010.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0d6nPQJe-Y8/VX8w1SGacVI/AAAAAAABc9Q/vy4KLJZKrbI/s1600/WP_20150613_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0d6nPQJe-Y8/VX8w1SGacVI/AAAAAAABc9Q/vy4KLJZKrbI/s320/WP_20150613_011.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOzrhKUDFig/VX8w2KxuBXI/AAAAAAABc9k/o-JnR_3mM8o/s1600/WP_20150613_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOzrhKUDFig/VX8w2KxuBXI/AAAAAAABc9k/o-JnR_3mM8o/s320/WP_20150613_012.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br />There's been LOTS of pool time, yay!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zdgfsfB6rmE/VX8w2YsEWeI/AAAAAAABc9c/XrkTkoo7jVU/s1600/WP_20150614_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zdgfsfB6rmE/VX8w2YsEWeI/AAAAAAABc9c/XrkTkoo7jVU/s320/WP_20150614_003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xcqmTf0QhA/VYwgmdWMj_I/AAAAAAABdIE/QyCLWc6Vm30/s1600/WP_20150617_002%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xcqmTf0QhA/VYwgmdWMj_I/AAAAAAABdIE/QyCLWc6Vm30/s320/WP_20150617_002%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Trips to the donut store on the other side of the fence. &nbsp;I should have never tasted that blueberry muffin/donut! &nbsp;Now I hear it calling my name at all hours of the night!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1YWxTJBOp4/VYwgngp-XsI/AAAAAAABdIM/5K45Q7GnYmw/s1600/WP_20150617_003%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1YWxTJBOp4/VYwgngp-XsI/AAAAAAABdIM/5K45Q7GnYmw/s320/WP_20150617_003%255B1%255D.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gndxk9bgxro/VYwgpYOi7bI/AAAAAAABdIU/BPb57TOWwM0/s1600/WP_20150617_004%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gndxk9bgxro/VYwgpYOi7bI/AAAAAAABdIU/BPb57TOWwM0/s320/WP_20150617_004%255B1%255D.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLhTNgBSkK8/VYwgrteZAjI/AAAAAAABdIc/HgUyz6pG3Rk/s1600/WP_20150617_005%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLhTNgBSkK8/VYwgrteZAjI/AAAAAAABdIc/HgUyz6pG3Rk/s320/WP_20150617_005%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIeWZJv33Zs/VYwguWakYJI/AAAAAAABdIk/SgGoQvJuZ-E/s1600/WP_20150619_001%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIeWZJv33Zs/VYwguWakYJI/AAAAAAABdIk/SgGoQvJuZ-E/s320/WP_20150619_001%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree climbing at the skate park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yB9Tp50vchU/VYwgxbm0kCI/AAAAAAABdIs/JfYuJ5W_9Ho/s1600/WP_20150619_002%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yB9Tp50vchU/VYwgxbm0kCI/AAAAAAABdIs/JfYuJ5W_9Ho/s320/WP_20150619_002%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx9VUMbj8C4/VYwg0iP6ntI/AAAAAAABdI0/TltrGf-W7lU/s1600/WP_20150619_003%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx9VUMbj8C4/VYwg0iP6ntI/AAAAAAABdI0/TltrGf-W7lU/s320/WP_20150619_003%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL0MIpws0Ts/VYwhc8yFJOI/AAAAAAABdJ8/mOYOAvJeQ0M/s1600/WP_20150619_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL0MIpws0Ts/VYwhc8yFJOI/AAAAAAABdJ8/mOYOAvJeQ0M/s320/WP_20150619_005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />When you're going tech-free,you gotta be willing to take a few risks, like letting your 10-year-old build a fire by himself in the backyard at 7:45 am<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YghcT1SAwyQ/VYwg-q2FQpI/AAAAAAABdJM/Nbft9BRpUhc/s1600/WP_20150625_001%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YghcT1SAwyQ/VYwg-q2FQpI/AAAAAAABdJM/Nbft9BRpUhc/s320/WP_20150625_001%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C99kDuCmyiU/VYwhFSsDMsI/AAAAAAABdJk/R4SlKOTgL30/s1600/WP_20150619_007%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C99kDuCmyiU/VYwhFSsDMsI/AAAAAAABdJk/R4SlKOTgL30/s320/WP_20150619_007%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Origami and life lessons in how to spend money wisely (because money origami book that was $20! and was going to change his life! and he had to have it immediately! was super lame. (sad trombone))</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;Learning a new instrument! &nbsp;This is Sam after maybe 20 minutes of playing the first day!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzvkvOeJCRFB_zOSj0PCXfrUXuwlFo3ahmLpPXwgGdHrERI1NKVvmahkmsbg4l1s12wA25Lw9a8uinDKcvO8g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />Dumpster diving...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSESaHkz1hg/VYwpBED1MDI/AAAAAAABdLc/4YX_99ENDAE/s1600/IMG_5819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSESaHkz1hg/VYwpBED1MDI/AAAAAAABdLc/4YX_99ENDAE/s320/IMG_5819.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />And hanging out with family, of course!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1oLX_TBCj0/VYwlKU8lRCI/AAAAAAABdKM/KTkUS2u3YS4/s1600/WP_20150616_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1oLX_TBCj0/VYwlKU8lRCI/AAAAAAABdKM/KTkUS2u3YS4/s320/WP_20150616_004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LETDzGptNQg/VYwlKZmzwOI/AAAAAAABdKI/Kmq4Eff0npM/s1600/WP_20150616_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LETDzGptNQg/VYwlKZmzwOI/AAAAAAABdKI/Kmq4Eff0npM/s320/WP_20150616_002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4vJaNkGnHQ/VYwlKe83ebI/AAAAAAABdKQ/c-ezKLX20wU/s1600/WP_20150616_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4vJaNkGnHQ/VYwlKe83ebI/AAAAAAABdKQ/c-ezKLX20wU/s320/WP_20150616_005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtFUu1f1QgY/VYwgji2qOiI/AAAAAAABdH8/-CDHhPo3r4w/s1600/WP_20150616_006%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtFUu1f1QgY/VYwgji2qOiI/AAAAAAABdH8/-CDHhPo3r4w/s320/WP_20150616_006%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwXaFW6t1Tw/VYwo9atiyCI/AAAAAAABdKk/xeQGx1ybsnQ/s1600/IMG_5754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwXaFW6t1Tw/VYwo9atiyCI/AAAAAAABdKk/xeQGx1ybsnQ/s320/IMG_5754.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1Rb0_YNlf4/VYwo_XBvyQI/AAAAAAABdLA/3dYNHL9-S38/s1600/IMG_5761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1Rb0_YNlf4/VYwo_XBvyQI/AAAAAAABdLA/3dYNHL9-S38/s320/IMG_5761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUlNwkGpknQ/VYwo_Wdm4oI/AAAAAAABdLE/D5WWhMIR-Cs/s1600/IMG_5762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUlNwkGpknQ/VYwo_Wdm4oI/AAAAAAABdLE/D5WWhMIR-Cs/s320/IMG_5762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaP-aqwzrUo/VYwpAObbjGI/AAAAAAABdLM/BL61s2CG8HM/s1600/IMG_5767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaP-aqwzrUo/VYwpAObbjGI/AAAAAAABdLM/BL61s2CG8HM/s320/IMG_5767.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HlYFvToVzKM/VYwpAqshJ5I/AAAAAAABdLU/XVcARPETKYY/s1600/IMG_5817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HlYFvToVzKM/VYwpAqshJ5I/AAAAAAABdLU/XVcARPETKYY/s320/IMG_5817.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father's Day present for my dad...how do I compete with my pilot sister who is giving him a flight in a plane with her as the pilot? &nbsp;Oh well, I gave him this granddaughter...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aRvRd-oyMk/VYwpA1rw_VI/AAAAAAABdLY/45Jh5UrOWmI/s1600/IMG_5818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aRvRd-oyMk/VYwpA1rw_VI/AAAAAAABdLY/45Jh5UrOWmI/s320/IMG_5818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Now I just need to get better at adding chores to our days... &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div>Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-76319445967506138042015-06-25T08:20:00.001-07:002015-06-25T08:23:43.156-07:00Evan's Furry Friends Campout Birthday PartyWhile Evan and I were at CA Adventure together, we had this brainstorm about having a stuffed animal sleepover for his party. &nbsp;It happened that at that moment, we were completing the Wilderness Explorer badge at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, so we were inspired to do it in a campout theme and have the animals earn badges. &nbsp;We had fun thinking of things the animals could do and I loved the idea for Evan because he truly loves fuzzy little animals most of all. &nbsp;I think we could have just had people drop stuffed animals off at our house to spend the night with no party and he would have been happy. &nbsp;(Kaci, why don't you listen to yourself?!) &nbsp;Of course, we weren't gonna not have a party because (well, according to one little friend of mine) I have "party superpowers." &nbsp;I'm not sure that's 100% true, I am just crazy enough to try to do every idea that pops into my head and I have a lot of ideas popping into my head at all times. &nbsp;I call it crazy brain. &nbsp;Anyway, this post is not about my crazy brain but Evan's party. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qa6rnfwQkbw/VYwJKj6jTNI/AAAAAAABdFc/-04msBerVwQ/s1600/IMG_8910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qa6rnfwQkbw/VYwJKj6jTNI/AAAAAAABdFc/-04msBerVwQ/s320/IMG_8910.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this green mesh material at a thrift store and wha-la! &nbsp;We had a tent!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2TQNaM1CYA/VYwJKv_WrzI/AAAAAAABdFg/dsed0eH_d4Q/s1600/IMG_8913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2TQNaM1CYA/VYwJKv_WrzI/AAAAAAABdFg/dsed0eH_d4Q/s320/IMG_8913.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The animals had a checklist to complete before they could get their ranger badges. &nbsp;"Dog Tags" (making id tags out of shrinky dinks and ball chains),&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmqCOKO93sE/VYwJL0vLvRI/AAAAAAABdF4/IRQpMwyRD-Y/s1600/IMG_8935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmqCOKO93sE/VYwJL0vLvRI/AAAAAAABdF4/IRQpMwyRD-Y/s320/IMG_8935.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7saqHuPf2c/VYwJNzWa7mI/AAAAAAABdGY/mKdwVSb-yFQ/s1600/IMG_8947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7saqHuPf2c/VYwJNzWa7mI/AAAAAAABdGY/mKdwVSb-yFQ/s320/IMG_8947.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Sleeping Bag" (tying a quick little fleece bag, again made out of some thrift store blankets),&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNGRnImNTCE/VYwJP0czoDI/AAAAAAABdGw/pZ350Rdntz4/s1600/IMG_8970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNGRnImNTCE/VYwJP0czoDI/AAAAAAABdGw/pZ350Rdntz4/s320/IMG_8970.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Build a Shelter" (I put out random supplies for them to make a tent or shelter--I foolishly put out paint. &nbsp;Don't put out paint. &nbsp;It does come off of concrete with a lot of scrubbing. &nbsp;And crying.),&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEta4rNSchk/VYwJM9XYR8I/AAAAAAABdGA/sofILjovqDQ/s1600/IMG_8939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEta4rNSchk/VYwJM9XYR8I/AAAAAAABdGA/sofILjovqDQ/s320/IMG_8939.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c3vAo1HQD40/VYwJNcJGOLI/AAAAAAABdGc/7g0hUo-rPdc/s1600/IMG_8940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c3vAo1HQD40/VYwJNcJGOLI/AAAAAAABdGc/7g0hUo-rPdc/s320/IMG_8940.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwLRQaZypys/VYwJwsG_aKI/AAAAAAABdHQ/EfekmJ9wsnU/s1600/IMG_9012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwLRQaZypys/VYwJwsG_aKI/AAAAAAABdHQ/EfekmJ9wsnU/s320/IMG_9012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;"Build a Fire" (out of pretzel sticks, candy rocks, candy corn, and red hots, with chocolate frosting to hold it together),</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g6VxLoPKYQU/VYwJOfMRhyI/AAAAAAABdGU/VUSCKhxkPxo/s1600/IMG_8949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g6VxLoPKYQU/VYwJOfMRhyI/AAAAAAABdGU/VUSCKhxkPxo/s320/IMG_8949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNMXiPSPuF4/VYwJQFqmZWI/AAAAAAABdGs/LsFFJuwDYZk/s1600/IMG_8979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNMXiPSPuF4/VYwJQFqmZWI/AAAAAAABdGs/LsFFJuwDYZk/s320/IMG_8979.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sV4lo5pUx4k/VYwJwVK0CVI/AAAAAAABdHM/shuwUhFZFho/s1600/IMG_9025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sV4lo5pUx4k/VYwJwVK0CVI/AAAAAAABdHM/shuwUhFZFho/s320/IMG_9025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;"Have an Adventure" (zipline, made out of a wire and a hanger),</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kgmQFwfRgY/VYwJKtDYf_I/AAAAAAABdFk/KG4IP0SeirE/s1600/IMG_8904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kgmQFwfRgY/VYwJKtDYf_I/AAAAAAABdFk/KG4IP0SeirE/s320/IMG_8904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTMNrLGiJtI/VYwJPQZxUQI/AAAAAAABdG0/FMcS3d5FS8Y/s1600/IMG_8953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTMNrLGiJtI/VYwJPQZxUQI/AAAAAAABdG0/FMcS3d5FS8Y/s320/IMG_8953.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2edVC3i1wI/VYwJQzG5NiI/AAAAAAABdHA/AYM1uH1nn5M/s1600/IMG_8982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2edVC3i1wI/VYwJQzG5NiI/AAAAAAABdHA/AYM1uH1nn5M/s320/IMG_8982.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;"Fishin' Hole" (Balloons in the pool and makeshift fishing poles using dowels and pool noodles. &nbsp;I gave myself blisters on my fingers shoving prizes into the balloons for the kids to pop after they fished--bad idea! &nbsp;The kids went crazy popping more balloons than they were supposed to, so we ran out, and it was a mess, and my fingers!&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtyXsnJkejc/VYwJLoPKiRI/AAAAAAABdFw/8N-sJU-dr5k/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtyXsnJkejc/VYwJLoPKiRI/AAAAAAABdFw/8N-sJU-dr5k/s320/IMG_8920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZMfi_QfaDo/VYwJMNZvrjI/AAAAAAABdGI/j2wB0B7aXYM/s1600/IMG_8937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZMfi_QfaDo/VYwJMNZvrjI/AAAAAAABdGI/j2wB0B7aXYM/s320/IMG_8937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;We played some games on the grass--Sam made a huge game board out of the sidewalk sections, each section had directions on it for what to do if you landed there. &nbsp;We played "volleyball" on the ground with a beach ball, we did a memory game with the stuffed animal's names, and I had a few other ideas planned but kind of lost control of the crowd.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8bhYDCBgBw/VYwJwv0974I/AAAAAAABdHU/fC359t2g-Do/s1600/IMG_9036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8bhYDCBgBw/VYwJwv0974I/AAAAAAABdHU/fC359t2g-Do/s320/IMG_9036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTVjbUoRux4/VYwJxF0lX0I/AAAAAAABdHg/kYk9_VDem7Y/s1600/IMG_9039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTVjbUoRux4/VYwJxF0lX0I/AAAAAAABdHg/kYk9_VDem7Y/s320/IMG_9039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMmg8ACJK9A/VYwJ_E9PzfI/AAAAAAABdHs/79I2d-75668/s1600/IMG_5629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMmg8ACJK9A/VYwJ_E9PzfI/AAAAAAABdHs/79I2d-75668/s320/IMG_5629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>But in the end, the kids who wanted to earn their badges did, and no one died. &nbsp;Oh! And I sort of blended the idea of ice cream cake and cupcakes together and made little cupcakes (filled the papers only a little bit) and pre-scooped ice cream on top, covered with magic shell and sprinkles, and we had a self-contained, no-utensils-necessary, no-last-minute-scooping little treat for all the kids.<br /><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;So, it was fun and creative and cute, but I definitely could have fine-tuned it or organized it better. &nbsp;And I had to discipline my own kids multiple times in the middle of the chaos, so for the first time in the history of me and parties, I was ready for it to end early! &nbsp;We sure had fun planning and enjoying the kids and their stuffed animals, and I was thankful for my friends and parents who helped a ton! &nbsp;(Jeremy was out of town...we could have used him as the sheriff!)<br /><div><br /></div></div>You could watch this cute video we made of the party and then the shenanigans we had with the stuffed animals afterwards. &nbsp;If you don't want to watch it, I'll share a few of the photos below.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jRF_5ixn5Nc?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPzvQXeXxq4/VYwHj02WROI/AAAAAAABdEA/_9V9-A5FWSg/s1600/IMG_5592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPzvQXeXxq4/VYwHj02WROI/AAAAAAABdEA/_9V9-A5FWSg/s320/IMG_5592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NvaQgGPsL58/VYwHkLEx6XI/AAAAAAABdEE/6fPyCvENPA4/s1600/IMG_5603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NvaQgGPsL58/VYwHkLEx6XI/AAAAAAABdEE/6fPyCvENPA4/s320/IMG_5603.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TS9ktPHP9UE/VYwHkG8QxdI/AAAAAAABdEI/5VA40BOs3Rc/s1600/IMG_5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TS9ktPHP9UE/VYwHkG8QxdI/AAAAAAABdEI/5VA40BOs3Rc/s320/IMG_5601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rhc5eDUubE/VYwHlo8fJ6I/AAAAAAABdEY/JlONEMrdw4Y/s1600/IMG_5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rhc5eDUubE/VYwHlo8fJ6I/AAAAAAABdEY/JlONEMrdw4Y/s320/IMG_5612.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtKXOubo29s/VYwHmFvqehI/AAAAAAABdEc/w5kSGZblso0/s1600/IMG_5621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtKXOubo29s/VYwHmFvqehI/AAAAAAABdEc/w5kSGZblso0/s320/IMG_5621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3QTdF1c6Mw/VYwHmmWNmhI/AAAAAAABdEo/uAuJd5c80uQ/s1600/IMG_5625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3QTdF1c6Mw/VYwHmmWNmhI/AAAAAAABdEo/uAuJd5c80uQ/s320/IMG_5625.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xthy2_6i3j4/VYwHnjtWtUI/AAAAAAABdEw/6JojZOKfCnQ/s1600/IMG_5627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xthy2_6i3j4/VYwHnjtWtUI/AAAAAAABdEw/6JojZOKfCnQ/s320/IMG_5627.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8vzSNR8vwA/VYwHompPjCI/AAAAAAABdE4/pOo1WnSfLAw/s1600/IMG_5638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8vzSNR8vwA/VYwHompPjCI/AAAAAAABdE4/pOo1WnSfLAw/s320/IMG_5638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5XCjCMon6M/VYwHo6tDrFI/AAAAAAABdE8/By8kMbyMzzA/s1600/IMG_5649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5XCjCMon6M/VYwHo6tDrFI/AAAAAAABdE8/By8kMbyMzzA/s320/IMG_5649.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7_2K5a5ZeU/VYwHpZMdIfI/AAAAAAABdFE/MmaP7-TnY-U/s1600/IMG_5652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7_2K5a5ZeU/VYwHpZMdIfI/AAAAAAABdFE/MmaP7-TnY-U/s320/IMG_5652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xfhb6QS4MFw/VYwHpysYqxI/AAAAAAABdFQ/6wIelYq15mk/s1600/IMG_5675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xfhb6QS4MFw/VYwHpysYqxI/AAAAAAABdFQ/6wIelYq15mk/s320/IMG_5675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZJazpHcZ6Q/VYwGGwNpNaI/AAAAAAABdDU/QvgHmx1g3N0/s1600/IMG_5558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZJazpHcZ6Q/VYwGGwNpNaI/AAAAAAABdDU/QvgHmx1g3N0/s320/IMG_5558.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikpKJpD-Jxw/VYwGG_gItMI/AAAAAAABdDc/Sn5HpKCZN8A/s1600/IMG_5561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikpKJpD-Jxw/VYwGG_gItMI/AAAAAAABdDc/Sn5HpKCZN8A/s320/IMG_5561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dv4muZAqqPE/VYwGGwAxt9I/AAAAAAABdDY/FdFlyiZEtDI/s1600/IMG_5573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dv4muZAqqPE/VYwGGwAxt9I/AAAAAAABdDY/FdFlyiZEtDI/s320/IMG_5573.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-A6d8A8XAw/VYwGHyAcNkI/AAAAAAABdDo/QT0os4mPNeU/s1600/IMG_5579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-A6d8A8XAw/VYwGHyAcNkI/AAAAAAABdDo/QT0os4mPNeU/s320/IMG_5579.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKQxPzji0TM/VYwGIIozaPI/AAAAAAABdDw/erxCv4V85Sc/s1600/IMG_5588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKQxPzji0TM/VYwGIIozaPI/AAAAAAABdDw/erxCv4V85Sc/s320/IMG_5588.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />And here is Evan on the night before his birthday. &nbsp;It's our tradition to make a video on the child's birthday eve--I haven't always remembered, but I know I'll appreciate it later!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-rli-fNSbGc?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-25541615763609342072015-06-25T06:15:00.001-07:002015-06-25T06:18:43.924-07:00End of the School Year Craziness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The last week of school was sooo busy! &nbsp;Annie had a fairy tale ball at school with all the kindergartners. &nbsp;She got to take Jeremy, her king :) &nbsp;She fell on her face hours before while trying to do a big bike jump at the dry lake bed, so her smile is a little puffy, but she was beautiful!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyzaLI_7wlw/VX8e9SniaVI/AAAAAAABcmA/WlWXh5c9Bik/s1600/IMG_5678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyzaLI_7wlw/VX8e9SniaVI/AAAAAAABcmA/WlWXh5c9Bik/s400/IMG_5678.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_tA11J12Y0/VX8fAhxHo2I/AAAAAAABcmk/hOp3ia6Y-yc/s1600/IMG_5681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_tA11J12Y0/VX8fAhxHo2I/AAAAAAABcmk/hOp3ia6Y-yc/s400/IMG_5681.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1EmHVEtM4o/VX8fALNUZhI/AAAAAAABcmg/ZlcEnoqwHIs/s1600/IMG_5680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1EmHVEtM4o/VX8fALNUZhI/AAAAAAABcmg/ZlcEnoqwHIs/s400/IMG_5680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyd4WfK5X8A/VX8fBYP90qI/AAAAAAABcmw/Fcs1aNHLjco/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyd4WfK5X8A/VX8fBYP90qI/AAAAAAABcmw/Fcs1aNHLjco/s400/IMG_5682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXz264UwXnw/VX8fEiVMb9I/AAAAAAABcnE/FiluzxzDK44/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXz264UwXnw/VX8fEiVMb9I/AAAAAAABcnE/FiluzxzDK44/s400/IMG_5685.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulFCMf6EVP4/VX8fFRn_4pI/AAAAAAABcnM/zI6v1k7jdMI/s1600/IMG_5687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulFCMf6EVP4/VX8fFRn_4pI/AAAAAAABcnM/zI6v1k7jdMI/s400/IMG_5687.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htsMFtr7cQI/VX8fG_Ps6mI/AAAAAAABcnY/mj8HlP65yco/s1600/IMG_5688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htsMFtr7cQI/VX8fG_Ps6mI/AAAAAAABcnY/mj8HlP65yco/s400/IMG_5688.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbDXAFkuw2w/VX8fHmOkAoI/AAAAAAABcnc/AD4gdhiA_QE/s1600/IMG_5689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbDXAFkuw2w/VX8fHmOkAoI/AAAAAAABcnc/AD4gdhiA_QE/s400/IMG_5689.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0Y6qpoUd9M/VX8fL5bApfI/AAAAAAABcn0/opjSZgQSzfM/s1600/IMG_5691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0Y6qpoUd9M/VX8fL5bApfI/AAAAAAABcn0/opjSZgQSzfM/s400/IMG_5691.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mD1rOXFTYSE/VX8fN2K0CzI/AAAAAAABcoM/w6p2Kg1qLpg/s1600/IMG_5695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mD1rOXFTYSE/VX8fN2K0CzI/AAAAAAABcoM/w6p2Kg1qLpg/s400/IMG_5695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />End of the year class parties--I went to Tri-City park with Sam's class, then went to Annie's class luau, then back to Sam's class to lead crazy games for 90 minutes so&nbsp;<strike> I could be bossy and feel like a teacher again</strike>&nbsp;his teacher could get some work done. &nbsp;Evan was just, well the middle child. &nbsp;He'll be fine.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpaLBkezZtQ/VX8fPDoPWAI/AAAAAAABcoY/eJ-K0LLu9TM/s1600/IMG_5723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpaLBkezZtQ/VX8fPDoPWAI/AAAAAAABcoY/eJ-K0LLu9TM/s400/IMG_5723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZKyE8Zben0/VX8fQOC0nnI/AAAAAAABcok/DWPEJiXUIgU/s1600/IMG_5725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZKyE8Zben0/VX8fQOC0nnI/AAAAAAABcok/DWPEJiXUIgU/s400/IMG_5725.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkY9U8OUxBw/VX8fQGzStJI/AAAAAAABcoc/pGJyXYXz3eI/s1600/IMG_5726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkY9U8OUxBw/VX8fQGzStJI/AAAAAAABcoc/pGJyXYXz3eI/s400/IMG_5726.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztK5mNyf_Iw/VX8fQ457rgI/AAAAAAABcos/YVhJ1WEX5Yk/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztK5mNyf_Iw/VX8fQ457rgI/AAAAAAABcos/YVhJ1WEX5Yk/s400/IMG_5728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />End-of-the-Year teacher gifts (found the chalkboards at a thrift store for less than fifty cents each, so...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0HfX5xK9CE/VX8fR0YERKI/AAAAAAABco0/O7pcDQU1z0g/s1600/IMG_5729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0HfX5xK9CE/VX8fR0YERKI/AAAAAAABco0/O7pcDQU1z0g/s400/IMG_5729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkc-4X8wgIQ/VX8fSiZutlI/AAAAAAABco8/FxtHYLRl4Lg/s1600/IMG_5731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkc-4X8wgIQ/VX8fSiZutlI/AAAAAAABco8/FxtHYLRl4Lg/s400/IMG_5731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNU0ca5gafE/VX8fTgzfdiI/AAAAAAABcpI/qLOcAucYSr8/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNU0ca5gafE/VX8fTgzfdiI/AAAAAAABcpI/qLOcAucYSr8/s400/IMG_5732.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(the theme of Evan's teacher's class (cuz they have themes these days) was "bears" hence the pun, guys)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBPgJO2X_Xo/VX8fZD5gDVI/AAAAAAABcpg/smVfNO0_E_E/s1600/IMG_5735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBPgJO2X_Xo/VX8fZD5gDVI/AAAAAAABcpg/smVfNO0_E_E/s400/IMG_5735.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BG0Naa5kr6I/VX8fXXoynUI/AAAAAAABcpY/8mZB97gQk0s/s1600/IMG_5734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BG0Naa5kr6I/VX8fXXoynUI/AAAAAAABcpY/8mZB97gQk0s/s400/IMG_5734.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaUaiQmPI6U/VX8fUNSR6sI/AAAAAAABcpM/JR3N5XAB0cM/s1600/IMG_5733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaUaiQmPI6U/VX8fUNSR6sI/AAAAAAABcpM/JR3N5XAB0cM/s400/IMG_5733.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />We invited Sam's class (35 ten-year-olds! Yikes!) over for a pool party after school on Friday and it was of course all June Gloom-y (that's really a thing here) and drizzly, but they had fun anyway (and thankfully, all 35 didn't come). I panicked (which is never good before a party and always happens to me anyway) and panicking leads to an inability to edit myself and an intense desire to buy more supplies. &nbsp;So...I bought 35 pool noodles right before the party. &nbsp;And stuff like that. &nbsp;But I did have them build rafts and race across the pool because come'on, they're GATE.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okvxtoHd2r4/VX8fZlWa6GI/AAAAAAABcps/qUkb4XGn2AA/s1600/IMG_5737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okvxtoHd2r4/VX8fZlWa6GI/AAAAAAABcps/qUkb4XGn2AA/s400/IMG_5737.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9B2ereAXMg4/VX8fbybzHHI/AAAAAAABcp4/r4zWUhfvLUU/s1600/IMG_5738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9B2ereAXMg4/VX8fbybzHHI/AAAAAAABcp4/r4zWUhfvLUU/s400/IMG_5738.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adfZkYeq_CY/VX8fcFfokSI/AAAAAAABcp8/KNv0SWZLKWs/s1600/IMG_5739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adfZkYeq_CY/VX8fcFfokSI/AAAAAAABcp8/KNv0SWZLKWs/s400/IMG_5739.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet mom made sloppy joes and volunteered to be the eyes on the pool (someone else would have to jump in and be the one to perform CPR (yes, I was googling that at midnight the night before)) but she would alert me if needed. &nbsp;Thankfully, it wasn't needed. &nbsp;It's been a loooong time since I did CPR.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zvd2Z66yjs/VX8fcsINxDI/AAAAAAABcqA/Iv6L7jBffFE/s1600/IMG_5740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zvd2Z66yjs/VX8fcsINxDI/AAAAAAABcqA/Iv6L7jBffFE/s400/IMG_5740.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gI5By0fCPm0/VX8fe0-63TI/AAAAAAABcqU/5964V-8W6Y8/s1600/IMG_5743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gI5By0fCPm0/VX8fe0-63TI/AAAAAAABcqU/5964V-8W6Y8/s400/IMG_5743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QI7U9EjevS4/VX8ffIyH8ZI/AAAAAAABcqc/PDlZcIYVCFk/s1600/IMG_5745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QI7U9EjevS4/VX8ffIyH8ZI/AAAAAAABcqc/PDlZcIYVCFk/s400/IMG_5745.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nZKg9rLW_Q/VX8fhFXSdSI/AAAAAAABcqw/1C9kgvvNJs4/s1600/IMG_5748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nZKg9rLW_Q/VX8fhFXSdSI/AAAAAAABcqw/1C9kgvvNJs4/s400/IMG_5748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A couple of these girls have been in Sam's class all 3 years we've been at Golden. &nbsp;I just really like them. &nbsp;I hope Sam stays in touch with them somehow, like they all promised they would. &nbsp;I mean, these kids do have email these days, so it's possible!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZLgSWU4MMg/VX8fiFn6E6I/AAAAAAABcq0/-l1W17322bs/s1600/IMG_5749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZLgSWU4MMg/VX8fiFn6E6I/AAAAAAABcq0/-l1W17322bs/s400/IMG_5749.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFhVLNL7CPU/VX8fiH-4KDI/AAAAAAABcq4/6Soas1v1vn0/s1600/IMG_5750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFhVLNL7CPU/VX8fiH-4KDI/AAAAAAABcq4/6Soas1v1vn0/s400/IMG_5750.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved seeing these (now) 5th-grade girls build a house out of cardboard and play house. &nbsp;Still haven't lost their imaginations or freedom to be kids, yay!</td></tr></tbody></table>And, what would the beginning of summer be without summer haircuts, yay! &nbsp;(And loud growling/animal noises, of course)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrG7xCfcILk/VX8fi321TEI/AAAAAAABcrA/dNgjVde5X0Q/s1600/IMG_5751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrG7xCfcILk/VX8fi321TEI/AAAAAAABcrA/dNgjVde5X0Q/s400/IMG_5751.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />P.S. I made a video of Sam's class for Sam's teacher<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C6AwraxAjWo?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-61079548182935809742015-06-25T05:48:00.003-07:002015-06-25T05:51:57.189-07:00A Special Dinner: We Finally Made It To The Montage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last spring, Sam entered a cooking contest at an event for some friends who were raising money to go overseas. The event was called "Bacon Fest" and was, well, as it sounds, all about bacon. &nbsp;The cooking competition was judged by the well-respected head chef of The Loft at the Montage in Laguna Beach (fancy-schmancy!). &nbsp;The judge and his assistants tasted the bacon-inspired dishes without knowing anything about the cooks. &nbsp;The prize was dinner for two at The Loft...not just dinner ordered off the paper menu, but a chef's tasting menu (seven course meal that showcases the chef's talent, complete with wine pairings). &nbsp;Sam entered a simple dessert bar cookie that he topped with bacon (instead of coconut). &nbsp;When the chef got up to announce the winner, he made a joke about how great the prize was going to be for someone who really could appreciate wine and fine food and then they called Sam's name! &nbsp;Everyone was so shocked, including Sam himself...he was speechless. &nbsp;The chef confirmed that Sam's had been the only one he really wanted another bite of, and that he really hadn't known it was a kid's recipe. &nbsp;He also graciously allowed Jeremy and I to both accompany Sam to his claim his prize. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All year since then, Sam's been bugging us to take him, and we've been coming back at him with his need to work on table manners. &nbsp;It's become our joke; he chews with his mouth open, we say "Montage, Sam," and he straightens up and tries harder. &nbsp;A year went by and we still hadn't made time to use the prize...life has changed for us so much since the day he won it...and suddenly I worried that the certificate was expired and we missed it. &nbsp;I checked it, and we only had a few days to spare (though the chef, Casey Overton, assured me he would have still honored it). &nbsp;So, we nailed down a date and headed off to beautiful Laguna Beach with empty stomachs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unXC3niZpqQ/VX8Y06k8-II/AAAAAAABcgc/AABVWMhCtPU/s1600/IMG_5481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unXC3niZpqQ/VX8Y06k8-II/AAAAAAABcgc/AABVWMhCtPU/s400/IMG_5481.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grounds of this hotel are beautiful, even complete with domestic bunnies scampering around on the grass</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEMlEeVnsqA/VX8Y09IxziI/AAAAAAABcgU/NNhyFRdkQUk/s1600/IMG_5482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEMlEeVnsqA/VX8Y09IxziI/AAAAAAABcgU/NNhyFRdkQUk/s400/IMG_5482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I wasn't sure how Sam (or even I) would do with the food if it was something I am not fond of, but when food is prepared this well, nothing tastes bad! &nbsp;If chef Casey ever reads this blog, he is going to laugh at my non-culinary educated descriptions of the food...Sam can probably remember the names better than I can!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKL0CgwQwjw/VX8Y1_xXL4I/AAAAAAABcgk/8Ai9tkYdzR8/s1600/IMG_5484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKL0CgwQwjw/VX8Y1_xXL4I/AAAAAAABcgk/8Ai9tkYdzR8/s400/IMG_5484.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First course: raw fish (I forget which kind) with a avocado-something made into a reservoir with a sauce inside, oh, and a wave-shaped cracker-thingy made from over-cooked rice that is dried then blended then fried with seaweed. &nbsp;Sam's favorite part of this dish: the delicious edible flowers! &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsnThL3APrg/VX8Y2e4J3DI/AAAAAAABcg8/S-iFklRGpoU/s1600/IMG_5485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsnThL3APrg/VX8Y2e4J3DI/AAAAAAABcg8/S-iFklRGpoU/s400/IMG_5485.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This course was my favorite: they brought these big bowls that had just a sprinkling of hazelnuts and pears in the bottom (coated with some sort of crumbly brown butter something) and then poured hot soup from a copper pot onto the pears and nuts. &nbsp;The soup was buttery and pear-y and amazing and I really have eaten nothing like it before. &nbsp;SOOOO GOOD! &nbsp;Sam liked it, too. &nbsp;We had to pace ourselves, knowing 5 courses were still yet to come!&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kavhVK3bl9I/VX8Y2oYLTRI/AAAAAAABcg0/ot_y-K4zDNo/s1600/IMG_5486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kavhVK3bl9I/VX8Y2oYLTRI/AAAAAAABcg0/ot_y-K4zDNo/s400/IMG_5486.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each course, they brought out a different wine for Jeremy and I to taste, along with an earnest and detailed description of the temperature of the valley in which the grapes were grown, etc., and the "notes" present in the wine, like fruit or nuts or pencil shavings (I kid you not). &nbsp;They also brought out new silverware, so it was a clue about what our next course might be. &nbsp;This course was a lobster risotto. &nbsp;Sam tasted everything and appreciated the dishes, but I could tell which ones he really loved. &nbsp;This one he didn't eat as much of. &nbsp;He did so great, though!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKSiRy8qR9g/VX8Y3MMNF_I/AAAAAAABcg4/s2P7q0N_UkU/s1600/IMG_5487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKSiRy8qR9g/VX8Y3MMNF_I/AAAAAAABcg4/s2P7q0N_UkU/s400/IMG_5487.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see here that he loved this one. &nbsp;Chef Casey prides himself on finding rare, seasonal ingredients--found in the woods by foragers. &nbsp;This was fish (I can't remember which kind!) with some veggies that are only available a few weeks out of the year (and very expensive)--morel mushrooms and ramps (kind of like a green onion). I felt like such a foodie, taking a picture of each course. &nbsp;I am not a foodie, so I felt like a poser, but I was like, "It's for my son!" (not really, but sorta). &nbsp;Oh, and Sam loved the special fork he got to use--it looked like Poseidon's trident (I guess, according to Rick Riordan and Percy Jackson who are the ultimate authority on everything).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-iPkmcn3ts/VX8Y4vXUxEI/AAAAAAABchM/oIopUG1en40/s1600/IMG_5489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-iPkmcn3ts/VX8Y4vXUxEI/AAAAAAABchM/oIopUG1en40/s400/IMG_5489.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a happy guy--a red meat course! &nbsp;This was lamb short rib (I think) with fried parsnip (I think) and some other delicious stuff (I forget). &nbsp;Sam's favorite (well, 2nd favorite because dessert)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhp4iTlle74/VX8Y4z9tj_I/AAAAAAABchY/vuZuDKrzs_o/s1600/IMG_5490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhp4iTlle74/VX8Y4z9tj_I/AAAAAAABchY/vuZuDKrzs_o/s400/IMG_5490.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bartender thought Sam seemed a little left out of the wine tasting part so he prepared a special drink and surprised Sam. &nbsp;So fun to be treated so well, even though we felt like the Groupon people and were definitely out of our league.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YhwZf4uHA8/VX8Y5FctgjI/AAAAAAABchU/gj6D7dzN4bc/s1600/IMG_5491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YhwZf4uHA8/VX8Y5FctgjI/AAAAAAABchU/gj6D7dzN4bc/s400/IMG_5491.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This course would make my sister-in-law and bro-in-law pleased: stinky cheese platter! &nbsp;I never would have dreamed I would like the stinky cheese! &nbsp;They did a couple mild cheeses with Sam in mind, but knew that he has a pretty adventurous palette for a kid, so they did a crazy cheese as well (that's what the chef called it himself, people, don't make fun!). &nbsp;The rind of it was bark, so interesting. &nbsp;The plate came with grapes and almonds and some fancy honey from somewhere far away in the world. &nbsp;Again, they took such care to tell us about all the ingredients and now I'm all like It was grapes and cheese and I don't know how but it was amazing.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b9040NkUeBA/VX8Y6vu-0uI/AAAAAAABcho/WENdQzJxxIM/s1600/IMG_5494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b9040NkUeBA/VX8Y6vu-0uI/AAAAAAABcho/WENdQzJxxIM/s400/IMG_5494.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course, the highlight of the meal (well, actually, Sam really loved it all)...dessert. &nbsp;Sam's Montage manners were great the whole meal...he became a little more like a giddy 10-year-old when the desserts came out. &nbsp;Man, they spoiled us! &nbsp;My mouth is watering just looking at these pictures! &nbsp;Sam had a hazelnut/chocolate (I think) souffle and he got to break the top with his spoon and put some homemade ice cream inside, mmmm. &nbsp;We all shared our desserts, really, but in front of me is a dark chocolate cake with fancy gold writing on it and some sort of fruit candy sheet (wow, I really can't remember any of the terms) with more edible flowers and ginger ice cream. &nbsp;Jeremy has a lemon "caterpillar" (well, that's what it looked like to us bumpkins) with a cookie on the bottom, delicious fluffy stuff (I give up) and then a sugar wafer, and then a toasted meringue-y-like topping, with more flowers of course. &nbsp;AMAZING goodness in our mouths. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gGrJk2MnGg/VX8Y8oB3J3I/AAAAAAABciM/tIhXb65J8g8/s1600/IMG_5496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gGrJk2MnGg/VX8Y8oB3J3I/AAAAAAABciM/tIhXb65J8g8/s400/IMG_5496.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not gonna lie, my stomach was f-u-u--ull, so I was glad when we got up to take a tour of the kitchen with chef Casey (though my tastebuds were a little sad that their exciting tour had come to an end and that they would have to return to my lame cheddar cheese and boneless skinless chicken breast kitchen). &nbsp;Of course, they make every single element of the food right there in that kitchen--with an open fire grill for burgers to have just the right taste and a chocolate shop that's just the right temperature for tempering chocolate and everything in between. And they validated our valet parking. &nbsp;Really, I mean, chef Casey thought of everything.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ3kkSlnDjM/VX8Y9M0Ub2I/AAAAAAABciQ/xFHkpNy_x8Q/s1600/IMG_5502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ3kkSlnDjM/VX8Y9M0Ub2I/AAAAAAABciQ/xFHkpNy_x8Q/s400/IMG_5502.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Sam's pride and joy: the special box of colorful chocolates chef Casey sent home just for him. :)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Thank you, Casey and all your staff, for giving us an unforgettable evening of being treated like royalty. &nbsp;It seemed to bring you joy to do it for us, and we felt loved and served in a special way. &nbsp;And just so you know, I refused to eat most of the following day because I didn't want to spoil the memory of the deliciousness of which I had just partaken. <br /><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-73352091642015126742015-06-24T11:32:00.001-07:002015-06-24T11:40:59.178-07:00CA Adventure With Evan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A fun perk of living in Southern California is that both boys have gotten a free ticket to Disneyland, just by attending a concert for 2nd graders. &nbsp;I took<a href="http://thesepilgrimdays.blogspot.com/2013/07/good-things-come-to-those-who-wait.html" target="_blank"> Sam to California Adventure</a> as my Mother's day present two years ago, and I decided to do the same with Evan. &nbsp;(And promised that someone would take Annie to CA adventure in two years or so). &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ey6lgfNPJs/VX8oIdJQrvI/AAAAAAABcto/JHIPy9WYPPE/s1600/IMG_5462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ey6lgfNPJs/VX8oIdJQrvI/AAAAAAABcto/JHIPy9WYPPE/s400/IMG_5462.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We opened the day with California Screamin' (after dragging Evan around to get the appropriate fast passes for later attractions, of course. &nbsp;He was a good sport).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bMnqfra2S-8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzrfwJ2MEfAX3HY0y2qdROZLS64hxaukxUn4q214L0XJu4KjaJZORoLUykwraFd5Um9QtaZYZSp6117B3JJ3w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3D8KE_wBLDw/VX8n_cc1ZEI/AAAAAAABcrY/c2-YSQYTRiY/s1600/IMG_5438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3D8KE_wBLDw/VX8n_cc1ZEI/AAAAAAABcrY/c2-YSQYTRiY/s400/IMG_5438.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Evan wasn't sure how he felt about The Tower of Terror, but I convinced him to give it a try. &nbsp;Turns out he was more terrorized by the"It's Tough to Be a Bug" 4-D show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwdrEQUtoX0/VX8n_id5oRI/AAAAAAABcrc/zhO56yzVebI/s1600/IMG_5440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwdrEQUtoX0/VX8n_id5oRI/AAAAAAABcrc/zhO56yzVebI/s400/IMG_5440.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewPSOpfgOII/VX8n_rU5wfI/AAAAAAABcrg/byJvJBZ5ZQQ/s1600/IMG_5442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewPSOpfgOII/VX8n_rU5wfI/AAAAAAABcrg/byJvJBZ5ZQQ/s400/IMG_5442.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went twice!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh4OFe8hmSE/VX8oIHcyYrI/AAAAAAABctc/hybhfbhhs8I/s1600/IMG_5461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh4OFe8hmSE/VX8oIHcyYrI/AAAAAAABctc/hybhfbhhs8I/s400/IMG_5461.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We ran around doing lots of attractions and then when we needed a break, we visited the Sorcerer's Workshop and went to Turtle Talk With Crush (so cute, I still don't get how they pull that one off) and an animation workshop.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSZVAzQNQNs/VX8oAtVf__I/AAAAAAABcrw/v_knzWQtO60/s1600/IMG_5443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSZVAzQNQNs/VX8oAtVf__I/AAAAAAABcrw/v_knzWQtO60/s400/IMG_5443.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to learn to draw Jack Skellington.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMtnjUxAwwc/VX8oAylQH3I/AAAAAAABcrs/NxD3teeFNWM/s1600/IMG_5444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMtnjUxAwwc/VX8oAylQH3I/AAAAAAABcrs/NxD3teeFNWM/s400/IMG_5444.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a sucker for the "Which Disney Character Is Most Like You" quiz like I used to be for the Seventeen Magazine quizzes when I was thirteen, even though there are only like 3 questions. &nbsp;It's totally accurate. &nbsp;Evan got Mufasa andCaptain Hook and I got Alice In Wonderland so I stopped because she's second best to Rapunzel and I didn't want to push my luck.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPdlljauAyY/VX8oBCTJRlI/AAAAAAABcsE/XFENLnCM770/s1600/IMG_5447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPdlljauAyY/VX8oBCTJRlI/AAAAAAABcsE/XFENLnCM770/s400/IMG_5447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z588E83dU4k/VX8oCrslFaI/AAAAAAABcsI/dMeeWlEAxu0/s1600/IMG_5449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z588E83dU4k/VX8oCrslFaI/AAAAAAABcsI/dMeeWlEAxu0/s320/IMG_5449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan is a sucker for furry little creatures, so Chip and Dale became our faves for the day, as you will see later (thanks for the spending money, Dad!)</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfpHW7kYHIg/VX8oDqHlbJI/AAAAAAABcsU/kSzI9rJeSWM/s1600/IMG_5450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfpHW7kYHIg/VX8oDqHlbJI/AAAAAAABcsU/kSzI9rJeSWM/s400/IMG_5450.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-SfMjvgF6I/VX8oEP_uSHI/AAAAAAABcsc/J2LrQt6sjGY/s1600/IMG_5452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-SfMjvgF6I/VX8oEP_uSHI/AAAAAAABcsc/J2LrQt6sjGY/s400/IMG_5452.JPG" width="300" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We love love love the UP themed Adventure trail place...so sweet and Evan was the perfect age to get into earning the Wilderness Explorer Badge with Russell.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj7RJphuuY8/VX8oFdTeHII/AAAAAAABcsw/TiNPa4vYKLs/s1600/IMG_5456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj7RJphuuY8/VX8oFdTeHII/AAAAAAABcsw/TiNPa4vYKLs/s400/IMG_5456.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Except he really was bothered that Kevin the bird snuck his head out that dark window. &nbsp;He was still bothered by it hours later (don't ask me, I don't know).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3NrZR0zv0Q/VX8oFDVQKgI/AAAAAAABcs4/DGgagSfwLQM/s1600/IMG_5455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3NrZR0zv0Q/VX8oFDVQKgI/AAAAAAABcs4/DGgagSfwLQM/s400/IMG_5455.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkMswtIbryE/VX8oGjZ1PfI/AAAAAAABctE/w7Ar_70y358/s1600/IMG_5458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkMswtIbryE/VX8oGjZ1PfI/AAAAAAABctE/w7Ar_70y358/s400/IMG_5458.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">I found myself thinking a lot about all our youth group trips to Disneyland from Flagstaff over the years. &nbsp;And then who do I see in the crowd but Kimmi Barton, who probably enthusiastically attended every one of said trips! &nbsp;It's a small world after all!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR_xI2ZJWkw/VX8oHCg9ALI/AAAAAAABctI/HZizULt_0YE/s1600/IMG_5459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR_xI2ZJWkw/VX8oHCg9ALI/AAAAAAABctI/HZizULt_0YE/s400/IMG_5459.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here is where the spending money was spent:</div></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGtbb_GXf24/VX8oHU6ldWI/AAAAAAABctQ/tU2z9eP8PFI/s1600/IMG_5460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGtbb_GXf24/VX8oHU6ldWI/AAAAAAABctQ/tU2z9eP8PFI/s400/IMG_5460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One more California Screamin' ride and about 3 more Goofy's flying school rides later...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XAPwA5sMsnU/VX8oJy79WsI/AAAAAAABct0/OqtgNeTWHu0/s1600/IMG_5464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XAPwA5sMsnU/VX8oJy79WsI/AAAAAAABct0/OqtgNeTWHu0/s400/IMG_5464.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...we settled in to watch World of Color and enjoy our last hour in the park together, planning Evan's birthday party and playing "I Spy" as the sun set and the lights turned on.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsMZV5mq6Dc/VX8oKB9LRUI/AAAAAAABct4/4ApvU0XUxHQ/s1600/IMG_5465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsMZV5mq6Dc/VX8oKB9LRUI/AAAAAAABct4/4ApvU0XUxHQ/s320/IMG_5465.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4O1hXc2TJiY/VX8oLvzHSnI/AAAAAAABcus/EDNTDzxjJCY/s1600/IMG_5468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4O1hXc2TJiY/VX8oLvzHSnI/AAAAAAABcus/EDNTDzxjJCY/s320/IMG_5468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcOXSBmYPEs/VX8oLR5H2jI/AAAAAAABcuI/-XdAKT2vLSs/s1600/IMG_5467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcOXSBmYPEs/VX8oLR5H2jI/AAAAAAABcuI/-XdAKT2vLSs/s320/IMG_5467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOeFpqb54HU/VX8oQ1wrB3I/AAAAAAABcvQ/t-eVeGiPNbU/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOeFpqb54HU/VX8oQ1wrB3I/AAAAAAABcvQ/t-eVeGiPNbU/s320/IMG_5476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqEhU268aTs/VX8oP6L_B0I/AAAAAAABcvA/XdfKsnZA3TE/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqEhU268aTs/VX8oP6L_B0I/AAAAAAABcvA/XdfKsnZA3TE/s400/IMG_5475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for spending the day with me, Evan! &nbsp;I love you and your cute fuzzy self!</div><br /></div>Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-52068320659906089762015-06-24T11:01:00.002-07:002015-06-24T11:05:12.132-07:00Kendra's Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About the time we moved to California 3 years ago, my sister went out on a date with a guy she met on eHarmony. She met him for coffee one day (to make sure he wasn't an axe-murderer), and then went sailing out on the open ocean with him a few days later. &nbsp;My mom was a little concerned about the setting for their 2nd date, knowing nothing about this guy, but Kendra reassured her by saying, "Mom, I am an open-water, long-distance ocean swimmer, I'll be fine." &nbsp;When I asked her about the date, she (the typical Navy-pilot, stoic sister of mine) told me about the quality of the boat, the wind speeds, the current, and even the abilities of the boat's captain...I finally had to interrupt her--"But did you like him???!" &nbsp;She smiled shyly and said she might indeed go out with him again, which I knew meant she must have really liked him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_rw0md2I9gQ/VYrlnDzmgSI/AAAAAAABdCo/VcelAI2qXi8/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_rw0md2I9gQ/VYrlnDzmgSI/AAAAAAABdCo/VcelAI2qXi8/s400/058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since that first date, they have grown together and decided to spend the rest of their lives together. &nbsp;His name is Paul Torres and he (now they) live in old town San Diego, not too far from where Kendra has lived in Point Loma for the past 10? years. &nbsp;They both work for Qualcomm but in different areas: Kendra is a pilot, flying CEOs and such on private jets. &nbsp;Paul...has told me what he does a few times and I can't remember it because I am just a housewife and I don't really understand cell phone technology or big business. &nbsp;But he does well there and has a lot of responsibility, though he is not one the people Kendra flies on her plane. &nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wedding prep was fun, and of course the 3 of us "girls" did a lot of planning and preparation together. &nbsp;Here we are Skyping, choosing pictures for some picture frames I made about the bride and groom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HigfePOe8PE/VX8t4Zi2SJI/AAAAAAABc5g/uLsHo3NRDPc/s1600/WP_20150302_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HigfePOe8PE/VX8t4Zi2SJI/AAAAAAABc5g/uLsHo3NRDPc/s400/WP_20150302_006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0ZpENQDhw8/VX8uEPzLcvI/AAAAAAABc6E/O1BxdN2Ms7Y/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0ZpENQDhw8/VX8uEPzLcvI/AAAAAAABc6E/O1BxdN2Ms7Y/s400/IMG_5153.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie was flower girl and got to miss a day of school to go to Kendra's bridal shower. &nbsp;Here she is showing off her dress and shoes.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orat_HT1gfY/VX8uFZQFgwI/AAAAAAABc6c/Mgk5uD97HHI/s1600/IMG_5157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orat_HT1gfY/VX8uFZQFgwI/AAAAAAABc6c/Mgk5uD97HHI/s400/IMG_5157.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kendra's shower was at our friends' house on the beach. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HkMnUUiMSkA/VX8uEPlAUxI/AAAAAAABc6I/pdTH3wn1J0Y/s1600/IMG_5155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HkMnUUiMSkA/VX8uEPlAUxI/AAAAAAABc6I/pdTH3wn1J0Y/s400/IMG_5155.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the guests (these are just a few) have known Kendra since she was a baby!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDSJma4cLhQ/VX8uEJba3MI/AAAAAAABc6M/mzPwCXvbmn4/s1600/IMG_5156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDSJma4cLhQ/VX8uEJba3MI/AAAAAAABc6M/mzPwCXvbmn4/s400/IMG_5156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQm-C5yKgwc/VX8uGHusdhI/AAAAAAABc6o/X6PTplH0BF4/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQm-C5yKgwc/VX8uGHusdhI/AAAAAAABc6o/X6PTplH0BF4/s400/IMG_5159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcWHOG8HKAI/VX8t38ci05I/AAAAAAABc5c/es_qDSxLORo/s1600/WP_20150210_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcWHOG8HKAI/VX8t38ci05I/AAAAAAABc5c/es_qDSxLORo/s400/WP_20150210_011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the shower, we did some wedding prep, including going to see Kendra's dress (she had a fitting appointment)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eo9XCdt-fHU/VX8t3WOZowI/AAAAAAABc5Y/fd1HaA5YDa4/s1600/WP_20150210_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eo9XCdt-fHU/VX8t3WOZowI/AAAAAAABc5Y/fd1HaA5YDa4/s400/WP_20150210_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special Baby came, too :)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kendra and Paul love travelling and the great outdoors, so they decided to have a destination wedding of sorts in Yosemite, the location of many of Paul's childhood vacations. &nbsp;His brother and a cousin ( I think) &nbsp;got married there as well. &nbsp;At first, it seemed like a surprising location for two beach-loving people, but they wanted people to stay all at one place and enjoy the scenery together, and Yosemite was perfect for that. &nbsp;I am still so grateful that we got to go spend such a beautiful and meaningful long weekend there. &nbsp;It is a special memory to me (to all of us).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-En3YB6P2Wro/VX8rlSXGTrI/AAAAAAABcvg/qLs5eyOojgQ/s1600/IMG_5220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-En3YB6P2Wro/VX8rlSXGTrI/AAAAAAABcvg/qLs5eyOojgQ/s400/IMG_5220.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I teared up coming through the tunnel into the park. &nbsp;It's like that scene in <i>Cars</i>&nbsp;when McQueen and Sally come around the curve and the music swells and the waterfall is there in front of them, only better. &nbsp;Have I mentioned that the thing I am going to miss the most (besides people) when we go to Chicago is the rugged landscape of the West? &nbsp;I mean, need I say more?!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-yZ1Vc-bf8/VX8rlrKaBUI/AAAAAAABcvo/eUuhMsbKB9w/s1600/IMG_5225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-yZ1Vc-bf8/VX8rlrKaBUI/AAAAAAABcvo/eUuhMsbKB9w/s400/IMG_5225.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The kids grabbed my camera and started snapping a million pictures out the car windows.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLPjdoJb67s/VX8rnxJYRpI/AAAAAAABcv8/pZyDcTwXPB0/s1600/IMG_5234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLPjdoJb67s/VX8rnxJYRpI/AAAAAAABcv8/pZyDcTwXPB0/s400/IMG_5234.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxkcVMhAQ0w/VX8rn54zy7I/AAAAAAABcwE/yWqV0U_u-aE/s1600/IMG_5235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxkcVMhAQ0w/VX8rn54zy7I/AAAAAAABcwE/yWqV0U_u-aE/s400/IMG_5235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We stayed at the Yosemite Lodge with all the other wedding guests. &nbsp;Here we are on the porch with my parents' long-time friends, Norm Edson and Lonnie Laster.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2CfA3yIXYM/VX8rpCIhl2I/AAAAAAABcwU/NTLNd-kjyGc/s1600/IMG_5240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2CfA3yIXYM/VX8rpCIhl2I/AAAAAAABcwU/NTLNd-kjyGc/s400/IMG_5240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxFUD8TYi3c/VX8rpSdHFRI/AAAAAAABcwc/x8pWNOI-nbY/s1600/IMG_5241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxFUD8TYi3c/VX8rpSdHFRI/AAAAAAABcwc/x8pWNOI-nbY/s400/IMG_5241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl6-Ws5G7bw/VX8rqXZWHiI/AAAAAAABcwo/_f8bB0coVBI/s1600/IMG_5247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl6-Ws5G7bw/VX8rqXZWHiI/AAAAAAABcwo/_f8bB0coVBI/s400/IMG_5247.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yosemite Falls--we got to see it every time we went out the front door. &nbsp;Amazing!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg9mvopE_Xw/VX8rrTolPBI/AAAAAAABcw0/T9cwXGTvK44/s1600/IMG_5249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg9mvopE_Xw/VX8rrTolPBI/AAAAAAABcw0/T9cwXGTvK44/s400/IMG_5249.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKsBt2M86WY/VX8rr8DDdyI/AAAAAAABcw8/7n2Ak7HDgBg/s1600/IMG_5250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKsBt2M86WY/VX8rr8DDdyI/AAAAAAABcw8/7n2Ak7HDgBg/s400/IMG_5250.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXeTYCNcAeI/VX8rsqEpjFI/AAAAAAABcxE/g7SCFeprnGI/s1600/IMG_5251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXeTYCNcAeI/VX8rsqEpjFI/AAAAAAABcxE/g7SCFeprnGI/s400/IMG_5251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlfKxPrLfLU/VX8rt4AfsuI/AAAAAAABcxU/Ko3lIUCq9Jk/s1600/IMG_5253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlfKxPrLfLU/VX8rt4AfsuI/AAAAAAABcxU/Ko3lIUCq9Jk/s400/IMG_5253.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHEfBfF2_fo/VX8ruWg0vnI/AAAAAAABcxc/k9Op33PQbOw/s1600/IMG_5254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHEfBfF2_fo/VX8ruWg0vnI/AAAAAAABcxc/k9Op33PQbOw/s400/IMG_5254.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every picture is amazing in a place like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>We hiked to Vernal Falls...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-by69INR_XJE/VX8ryKeBL7I/AAAAAAABcyI/Kk1nPyxt1I0/s1600/IMG_5259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-by69INR_XJE/VX8ryKeBL7I/AAAAAAABcyI/Kk1nPyxt1I0/s400/IMG_5259.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGYINEFJMV0/VX8rzdGSEFI/AAAAAAABcyQ/IM2w7uqKMMg/s1600/IMG_5260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGYINEFJMV0/VX8rzdGSEFI/AAAAAAABcyQ/IM2w7uqKMMg/s400/IMG_5260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vclx6A1NW0/VX8rzqjvfiI/AAAAAAABcyU/1N-K-pa0XtM/s1600/IMG_5261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vclx6A1NW0/VX8rzqjvfiI/AAAAAAABcyU/1N-K-pa0XtM/s400/IMG_5261.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />...and ran into my parents and their friends along the trail!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1vZDJOjzf98/VX8r0Pu3o1I/AAAAAAABcyg/rcffoCu8ZYU/s1600/IMG_5262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1vZDJOjzf98/VX8r0Pu3o1I/AAAAAAABcyg/rcffoCu8ZYU/s400/IMG_5262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It wasn't too crowded, but it did still feel like Disneyland for some reason.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9amB0ujzmc/VX8r2hHk2bI/AAAAAAABcy0/QtUegZMv5cI/s1600/IMG_5266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9amB0ujzmc/VX8r2hHk2bI/AAAAAAABcy0/QtUegZMv5cI/s400/IMG_5266.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHD4OmDFFMk/VX8r3h8LEEI/AAAAAAABczQ/T9rg2wEFfU8/s1600/IMG_5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHD4OmDFFMk/VX8r3h8LEEI/AAAAAAABczQ/T9rg2wEFfU8/s400/IMG_5268.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the rainbow?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoY8OqLPK-g/VX8r4aRMJUI/AAAAAAABczU/5wXvw7cUGCA/s1600/IMG_5269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoY8OqLPK-g/VX8r4aRMJUI/AAAAAAABczU/5wXvw7cUGCA/s400/IMG_5269.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyw5dWJBNos/VX8r4isCZjI/AAAAAAABczY/7qcixLCHE3s/s1600/IMG_5270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyw5dWJBNos/VX8r4isCZjI/AAAAAAABczY/7qcixLCHE3s/s400/IMG_5270.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As much as I was thankful for the railing, this moment makes me nervous just looking at it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcH1-YC83P0/VX8r6lBmQ9I/AAAAAAABczo/7VnzKgA_4EE/s1600/IMG_5271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcH1-YC83P0/VX8r6lBmQ9I/AAAAAAABczo/7VnzKgA_4EE/s400/IMG_5271.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During our trip, I was participating in a short-lived 30-Day Plank Challenge. &nbsp;Annie schooled me at the top by doing a 30-second plank. &nbsp;This girl loves exercise!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wceNTGTr2Hc/VX8r6rVCpqI/AAAAAAABczs/q3I9h-vipU0/s1600/IMG_5272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wceNTGTr2Hc/VX8r6rVCpqI/AAAAAAABczs/q3I9h-vipU0/s400/IMG_5272.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom said she and my dad got to this spot when Kendra and I were kids and seriously contemplated going on to the summit of Half Dome. &nbsp;I commend them for their courage and applaud them for their wisdom in choosing the much more manageable (but still not too shabby) hike to the top of Nevada Falls instead...which may have been the site of the infamous moment in my childhood when my father dangled me over the edge by my ankle to get his lost camera lens cover...or something like that.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cUhBRQMqPY/VX8r8pE1QXI/AAAAAAABc0A/5alg1wKttXk/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cUhBRQMqPY/VX8r8pE1QXI/AAAAAAABc0A/5alg1wKttXk/s400/IMG_5274.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan and his sticks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJzwpwvWyns/VX8r87l_nbI/AAAAAAABc0E/MmBtf0_HAnw/s1600/IMG_5275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJzwpwvWyns/VX8r87l_nbI/AAAAAAABc0E/MmBtf0_HAnw/s400/IMG_5275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie playing "house" at the top of a cliff, basically.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvmehUvf5ac/VX8r9M8LFxI/AAAAAAABc0I/jTU_MNmOwI8/s1600/IMG_5276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvmehUvf5ac/VX8r9M8LFxI/AAAAAAABc0I/jTU_MNmOwI8/s400/IMG_5276.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSafmzBN5no/VX8r_RXDwxI/AAAAAAABc0c/J4DUneBYLKc/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSafmzBN5no/VX8r_RXDwxI/AAAAAAABc0c/J4DUneBYLKc/s400/IMG_5279.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost too picturesque to be true!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uigpewdKNgs/VX8sBKjE3sI/AAAAAAABc04/WWILYYcgxgU/s1600/IMG_5281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uigpewdKNgs/VX8sBKjE3sI/AAAAAAABc04/WWILYYcgxgU/s400/IMG_5281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAT86tC6in8/VX8sB5uzh3I/AAAAAAABc1A/GTFkOHcydsE/s1600/IMG_5282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAT86tC6in8/VX8sB5uzh3I/AAAAAAABc1A/GTFkOHcydsE/s400/IMG_5282.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J07Vj7QUqko/VX8sCDnubuI/AAAAAAABc1E/v3k9voZ3Syg/s1600/IMG_5283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J07Vj7QUqko/VX8sCDnubuI/AAAAAAABc1E/v3k9voZ3Syg/s400/IMG_5283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(See, I was there, too!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPpOSlB2eVI/VX8sDuTFpxI/AAAAAAABc1Y/U9kkMFI0K1Q/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPpOSlB2eVI/VX8sDuTFpxI/AAAAAAABc1Y/U9kkMFI0K1Q/s400/IMG_5286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPgQ4ygQ49I/VX8sEEOwwvI/AAAAAAABc1c/IQNn0PfU0a4/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPgQ4ygQ49I/VX8sEEOwwvI/AAAAAAABc1c/IQNn0PfU0a4/s400/IMG_5287.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how easy it is to take a beautiful picture in Yosemite</td></tr></tbody></table>Here are Evan and Annie cooperating for a picture. &nbsp;Sam may have refused to get out of the car.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FARAjAVpZEg/VX8sGdk6hVI/AAAAAAABc1w/tAs65NAesno/s1600/IMG_5289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FARAjAVpZEg/VX8sGdk6hVI/AAAAAAABc1w/tAs65NAesno/s400/IMG_5289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hmg8Jxd_vjY/VX8sHDtPc9I/AAAAAAABc14/5KSoaV_6KcM/s1600/IMG_5290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hmg8Jxd_vjY/VX8sHDtPc9I/AAAAAAABc14/5KSoaV_6KcM/s400/IMG_5290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzJuz3tzFGw/VX8sI-H2lOI/AAAAAAABc2I/Lj1-h0WDVTU/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzJuz3tzFGw/VX8sI-H2lOI/AAAAAAABc2I/Lj1-h0WDVTU/s400/IMG_5292.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I don't have a ton of photos from Kendra's wedding, since I was the maid of honor :) &nbsp;We had fun getting ready in a beautiful cabin at the Ahwahnee, the location of Kendra and Paul's outdoor wedding.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-04kH6NXXPM0/VX8sJjA5rHI/AAAAAAABc2U/8MpEG6vR3R8/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-04kH6NXXPM0/VX8sJjA5rHI/AAAAAAABc2U/8MpEG6vR3R8/s320/IMG_5294.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6rj66jcZKM/VX8t2bIBovI/AAAAAAABc5I/4TNwczbT_yM/s1600/10857351_986192291400501_5766720767436259193_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6rj66jcZKM/VX8t2bIBovI/AAAAAAABc5I/4TNwczbT_yM/s400/10857351_986192291400501_5766720767436259193_o.jpg" width="230" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Seeing as this is how my dad acted on the night of my sister's first date as a teenager, they've both come a long way!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gi2diLcERNc/VX8t46DoGsI/AAAAAAABc5k/PY2d92A-4NU/s1600/WP_20150302_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gi2diLcERNc/VX8t46DoGsI/AAAAAAABc5k/PY2d92A-4NU/s400/WP_20150302_007.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfoycUA9t7s/VX8t2HtBJZI/AAAAAAABc5E/CvSZ1VBB8DQ/s1600/11082512_933209373376901_1922313316657457086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfoycUA9t7s/VX8t2HtBJZI/AAAAAAABc5E/CvSZ1VBB8DQ/s400/11082512_933209373376901_1922313316657457086_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The setting was beautiful for their first kiss as husband and wife!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym9YVfVAAs4/VYruDiVJKGI/AAAAAAABdC4/zeL1BTrxXqM/s1600/kendrapaulkiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym9YVfVAAs4/VYruDiVJKGI/AAAAAAABdC4/zeL1BTrxXqM/s640/kendrapaulkiss.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LfnSjT7_HM/VX8sMyaxq2I/AAAAAAABc2g/CV0kRnZLrcc/s1600/IMG_5295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LfnSjT7_HM/VX8sMyaxq2I/AAAAAAABc2g/CV0kRnZLrcc/s400/IMG_5295.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k15RD6ZNaak/VX8sSIHz6AI/AAAAAAABc3M/zRMhnbxkVlM/s1600/IMG_5301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k15RD6ZNaak/VX8sSIHz6AI/AAAAAAABc3M/zRMhnbxkVlM/s400/IMG_5301.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPPYC8xwulk/VX8sShMPjDI/AAAAAAABc3Q/J2Q6d4WtniU/s1600/IMG_5302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPPYC8xwulk/VX8sShMPjDI/AAAAAAABc3Q/J2Q6d4WtniU/s400/IMG_5302.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPMddfIS3oU/VX8t2_6E9jI/AAAAAAABc5Q/jgzUnUbBT7A/s1600/V__6B47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPMddfIS3oU/VX8t2_6E9jI/AAAAAAABc5Q/jgzUnUbBT7A/s400/V__6B47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIzPIbCsV78/VX8sWHGCNSI/AAAAAAABc38/d8qlFXkhnyo/s1600/IMG_5312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIzPIbCsV78/VX8sWHGCNSI/AAAAAAABc38/d8qlFXkhnyo/s320/IMG_5312.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsCjRBK0NRQ/VX8sTwgBR5I/AAAAAAABc3g/DBEEgtL2tAY/s1600/IMG_5304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsCjRBK0NRQ/VX8sTwgBR5I/AAAAAAABc3g/DBEEgtL2tAY/s400/IMG_5304.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best man and I giving our toasts from the balcony in the solarium. &nbsp;I talked about marriage being rugged terrain, like the hikes we had done in Yosemite over the last few days, but how the shared view from the top is always worth it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0eVr8iRrYA/VX8sUV-ngYI/AAAAAAABc3s/D56l2aiEgq8/s1600/IMG_5309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0eVr8iRrYA/VX8sUV-ngYI/AAAAAAABc3s/D56l2aiEgq8/s400/IMG_5309.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie fell in love with her new "cousins". &nbsp;She is still talking about them! &nbsp;Evan "loved" them, too, well, specifically one of them.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XUsma-0YWaQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />On our way out of Yosemite, we stopped at a giant sequoia grove. &nbsp;So beautiful!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-7MrUMyBlI/VX8sX3SwjaI/AAAAAAABc4I/lx1UIk4S38M/s1600/IMG_5314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-7MrUMyBlI/VX8sX3SwjaI/AAAAAAABc4I/lx1UIk4S38M/s320/IMG_5314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EruevxH-gdw/VX8sbwStnSI/AAAAAAABc4o/oXjOznyUxL4/s1600/IMG_5318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JI1gPAViD8/VX8sYbr5jzI/AAAAAAABc4Q/V-rDdy5EHQY/s1600/IMG_5315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JI1gPAViD8/VX8sYbr5jzI/AAAAAAABc4Q/V-rDdy5EHQY/s320/IMG_5315.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EruevxH-gdw/VX8sbwStnSI/AAAAAAABc4o/oXjOznyUxL4/s320/IMG_5318.JPG" width="240" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMqnbpirHGc/VX8sdFwoAqI/AAAAAAABc40/KFzldPkU8uA/s1600/IMG_5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMqnbpirHGc/VX8sdFwoAqI/AAAAAAABc40/KFzldPkU8uA/s320/IMG_5320.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnYTB9O8hMY/VX8scsgv1II/AAAAAAABc4w/PzHFaXHtOio/s1600/IMG_5319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnYTB9O8hMY/VX8scsgv1II/AAAAAAABc4w/PzHFaXHtOio/s320/IMG_5319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ1QZXxvPgY/VX8t2Mfb1NI/AAAAAAABc58/Y8kysg9QLeY/s1600/KLKKMK%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ1QZXxvPgY/VX8t2Mfb1NI/AAAAAAABc58/Y8kysg9QLeY/s640/KLKKMK%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-32337854989625237452015-06-24T10:04:00.002-07:002015-06-24T10:06:53.808-07:00Spring Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jeremy's parents visited and we went to our fave So Cal city, Carlsbad. &nbsp;What a nice trip we had!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDcHofRqaXY/VX8R2wLiCDI/AAAAAAABcZ8/QwgH-O-GL5Q/s1600/IMG_5161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDcHofRqaXY/VX8R2wLiCDI/AAAAAAABcZ8/QwgH-O-GL5Q/s400/IMG_5161.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8xOrRN26pc/VX8R2-7a0hI/AAAAAAABcZ0/mmqXZ59rzTk/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8xOrRN26pc/VX8R2-7a0hI/AAAAAAABcZ0/mmqXZ59rzTk/s400/IMG_5162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IMacP-rueo/VX8Vwr00p3I/AAAAAAABcdk/46utFvmRK_8/s1600/WP_20150214_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IMacP-rueo/VX8Vwr00p3I/AAAAAAABcdk/46utFvmRK_8/s400/WP_20150214_002.jpg" width="223" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DoNdLrne2Q/VX8R21Pv7rI/AAAAAAABcZ4/vAhbPpMe0g8/s1600/IMG_5163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DoNdLrne2Q/VX8R21Pv7rI/AAAAAAABcZ4/vAhbPpMe0g8/s400/IMG_5163.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBtfIL9xxYA/VX8VxXU6EuI/AAAAAAABcd8/AjQQGHmDGwA/s1600/WP_20150214_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBtfIL9xxYA/VX8VxXU6EuI/AAAAAAABcd8/AjQQGHmDGwA/s400/WP_20150214_004.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towels at the hotel made into animals. &nbsp;Annie carried hers around the whole day!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6uOgyPZRHk/VX8VwgYwqEI/AAAAAAABcdc/jLk1gONRD7Q/s1600/WP_20150214_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6uOgyPZRHk/VX8VwgYwqEI/AAAAAAABcdc/jLk1gONRD7Q/s400/WP_20150214_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took Annie on an early morning walk down to the beach and tried to convince her that most people in the world only dream of spending a cool early morning walking in such a lovely place. &nbsp;She played along with me, but really just wanted to go back to the hotel to swim in the pool.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-akBPtKEOnwc/VX8R4kPxsUI/AAAAAAABcaM/bGOFWKN7hnY/s1600/IMG_5167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-akBPtKEOnwc/VX8R4kPxsUI/AAAAAAABcaM/bGOFWKN7hnY/s400/IMG_5167.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome family photo complete with Concentrating Salsa Carrying Dude.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rSu2K1Gz6k/VX8R5ASDo5I/AAAAAAABcaQ/F9o64OXKxo8/s1600/IMG_5168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rSu2K1Gz6k/VX8R5ASDo5I/AAAAAAABcaQ/F9o64OXKxo8/s400/IMG_5168.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite recent knee surgeries, Gamma made it to the beach and we had a wonderful, just-right beach afternoon, complete with dolphins, close-up whale-sightings (after I told Glenda that I'd been trying to spot a whale from the beach for 15 years), and a baby sea lion. (or seal, still not sure which is which).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Der-9e65jPQ/VX8R5ObvgKI/AAAAAAABcaU/fINcTgY9Gwk/s1600/IMG_5170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Der-9e65jPQ/VX8R5ObvgKI/AAAAAAABcaU/fINcTgY9Gwk/s400/IMG_5170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPHQned53DY/VX8R6WgF8fI/AAAAAAABcag/xJi76Z92uRk/s1600/IMG_5173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPHQned53DY/VX8R6WgF8fI/AAAAAAABcag/xJi76Z92uRk/s400/IMG_5173.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza night using our indoor BBQ which probably won't kill us but still makes me nervous, checking everyone's vital signs often.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6QavIkWjOE/VX8R6koNknI/AAAAAAABcak/9Zvebj7-NBw/s1600/IMG_5176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6QavIkWjOE/VX8R6koNknI/AAAAAAABcak/9Zvebj7-NBw/s400/IMG_5176.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeremy's parents, John and Glenda, took the kids whale watching and they got an amazing show!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4RPBJ8eJas/VYra7_8GgsI/AAAAAAABdCA/e-hsDs0f2zQ/s1600/IMG_0221%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4RPBJ8eJas/VYra7_8GgsI/AAAAAAABdCA/e-hsDs0f2zQ/s320/IMG_0221%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8fiRjQWarU/VYrbBD8G3BI/AAAAAAABdCI/iTrsPDF-aL8/s1600/IMG_0100%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8fiRjQWarU/VYrbBD8G3BI/AAAAAAABdCI/iTrsPDF-aL8/s320/IMG_0100%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SACmfLGpzLI/VYrbI6y4x6I/AAAAAAABdCQ/Uja-lxMDSVc/s1600/IMG_0284%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SACmfLGpzLI/VYrbI6y4x6I/AAAAAAABdCQ/Uja-lxMDSVc/s320/IMG_0284%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmSuoVG9tDU/VYrbL9mXI-I/AAAAAAABdCY/xMtyeqqPRzA/s1600/IMG_0300%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmSuoVG9tDU/VYrbL9mXI-I/AAAAAAABdCY/xMtyeqqPRzA/s320/IMG_0300%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sam's friend, Sophia, wrote a play with some other kids from their class. &nbsp;Sam went to all the practices, and Annie got to stand in for someone who couldn't make it to their performance in the park. &nbsp;I'm still not sure what the plot was, but the kids were cute!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFMWqvJWD9Q/VX8SURaqs5I/AAAAAAABcbI/q0sUKBS89qI/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFMWqvJWD9Q/VX8SURaqs5I/AAAAAAABcbI/q0sUKBS89qI/s400/IMG_5321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlLVDaRhGbA/VX8ST_RjGKI/AAAAAAABcbE/SycalPIrsRo/s1600/IMG_5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlLVDaRhGbA/VX8ST_RjGKI/AAAAAAABcbE/SycalPIrsRo/s400/IMG_5324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQHX_oJkLg8/VX8SUL-Mc_I/AAAAAAABcbA/-nx312GQCF8/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQHX_oJkLg8/VX8SUL-Mc_I/AAAAAAABcbA/-nx312GQCF8/s400/IMG_5332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHM5yBZxyuLKRl5eT6DmQOZDyk4eTsyVnFoo9S5PRq9X4mRRxpgWok3rxbxt2oYlqYplB3LtYo5e5mDaM8MA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Annie's kindergarten friends had an egg "hunt" in the park. &nbsp;All I remember was how stressed I was trying to get all the plastic Easter eggs I seemed to need that week between 3 kids and my own Easter party. &nbsp;And all the while declaring to our students that Easter is about more to us than Easter eggs, oops!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5CE3yYU7wg/VX8VynTF-_I/AAAAAAABceI/HKrxvnEcQBk/s1600/WP_20150331_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5CE3yYU7wg/VX8VynTF-_I/AAAAAAABceI/HKrxvnEcQBk/s400/WP_20150331_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had an international Easter party and this is the only photo I got! &nbsp;We had an egg toss (because eggs were on sale), volleyball, and lots of food!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5abdc8rIBkc/VYrSIGRmy6I/AAAAAAABdBo/OvNhKZifVFM/s1600/Easter%2Begg%2Btoss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5abdc8rIBkc/VYrSIGRmy6I/AAAAAAABdBo/OvNhKZifVFM/s320/Easter%2Begg%2Btoss.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Easter Sunday, we went to San Diego to hang out with Kendra and Paul...our first holiday together with them as a married couple! &nbsp;(But somehow they are not in any of my pictures!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oiToYWuOmE/VX8UJ5jg2MI/AAAAAAABcbU/ylDagx7hIX8/s1600/IMG_5345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oiToYWuOmE/VX8UJ5jg2MI/AAAAAAABcbU/ylDagx7hIX8/s400/IMG_5345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M646uebwibU/VX8UJ0ZRa8I/AAAAAAABcbg/C-Roc62Oe5I/s1600/IMG_5347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M646uebwibU/VX8UJ0ZRa8I/AAAAAAABcbg/C-Roc62Oe5I/s400/IMG_5347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KEJcSiB17YA/VX8UJ0JBedI/AAAAAAABcbQ/-3Gp4pCotTI/s1600/IMG_5348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KEJcSiB17YA/VX8UJ0JBedI/AAAAAAABcbQ/-3Gp4pCotTI/s400/IMG_5348.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbxfw6IHkUA/VX8ULDVOSWI/AAAAAAABcbo/2YGaqmKN6Ew/s1600/IMG_5349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbxfw6IHkUA/VX8ULDVOSWI/AAAAAAABcbo/2YGaqmKN6Ew/s400/IMG_5349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0hGpXSsZY0/VX8ULIWxrMI/AAAAAAABcbk/cv0p4rlZkMg/s1600/IMG_5350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0hGpXSsZY0/VX8ULIWxrMI/AAAAAAABcbk/cv0p4rlZkMg/s400/IMG_5350.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-oU8SA50eQ/VX8UL7JC_fI/AAAAAAABcb4/7nDUgITeF5Q/s1600/IMG_5352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-oU8SA50eQ/VX8UL7JC_fI/AAAAAAABcb4/7nDUgITeF5Q/s400/IMG_5352.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfP6p0qBso0/VX8UMY2tcoI/AAAAAAABccA/uBfHUP4dy1k/s1600/IMG_5354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfP6p0qBso0/VX8UMY2tcoI/AAAAAAABccA/uBfHUP4dy1k/s400/IMG_5354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DqrZThdP5I/VX8UMgVkATI/AAAAAAABcb8/bGugHtscC_g/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DqrZThdP5I/VX8UMgVkATI/AAAAAAABcb8/bGugHtscC_g/s400/IMG_5355.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgWgRmw303Q/VX8UN9twerI/AAAAAAABccQ/MIHfZxkEJ7E/s1600/IMG_5357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgWgRmw303Q/VX8UN9twerI/AAAAAAABccQ/MIHfZxkEJ7E/s400/IMG_5357.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2ATMG5pu64/VX8UOcmq22I/AAAAAAABccU/4twrBxOtYFY/s1600/IMG_5358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2ATMG5pu64/VX8UOcmq22I/AAAAAAABccU/4twrBxOtYFY/s400/IMG_5358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />For spring break, my mom and I took a road trip to Phoenix to see friends and Jeremy's family.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89MgnVs8i-Y/VX8UObend1I/AAAAAAABccY/iAX0ynvPlMM/s1600/IMG_5360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89MgnVs8i-Y/VX8UObend1I/AAAAAAABccY/iAX0ynvPlMM/s400/IMG_5360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk0BwyJIMGM/VX8UPUvWOOI/AAAAAAABcco/qgZIDp3c4eY/s1600/IMG_5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk0BwyJIMGM/VX8UPUvWOOI/AAAAAAABcco/qgZIDp3c4eY/s400/IMG_5361.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam and Noah were determined (and convinced they really could!) to get into the Guiness Book of World records for the longest paper plane ever. &nbsp;This was their beloved prototype. &nbsp;At 10:30pm, we had to ruin their fun and kill their dream by calling them inside (after making them pick up all the sheets of paper they had spread down the length of the street).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1NIia2cwMY/VX8UPvXSn0I/AAAAAAABccw/te5CoaF3wtk/s1600/IMG_5362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1NIia2cwMY/VX8UPvXSn0I/AAAAAAABccw/te5CoaF3wtk/s400/IMG_5362.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan and his buddy, Luke</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We went to the Phoenix Children's Museum--it was awesome! &nbsp;The most whimsical and cutely-decorated of all the Children's museums we've been to (and we've been to a lot!). &nbsp;It has a noodle forest, silverware chandeliers, and a flying bathtub. &nbsp;Evan's fave was the DIY marble/ball run. &nbsp;He worked on it diligently for a long time, and was so proud of his results.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKtlv5Yi8ZY/VX8UQ0_hq8I/AAAAAAABcc0/ahoT_1i7QVw/s1600/IMG_5366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKtlv5Yi8ZY/VX8UQ0_hq8I/AAAAAAABcc0/ahoT_1i7QVw/s400/IMG_5366.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzLEIU3_54_hiQFn82nHyN-FeOICduNwyJ38aAgxLg5j-K-I4k4twz8ZeKy3oQXRkx4HyIHlttScVv_zbyt-w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Annie loved the pretend kitchen. &nbsp;"With you, Mom!" &nbsp;she still insists. &nbsp;Aw</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-nVMOyDbVc/VX8UQBa6tKI/AAAAAAABcc4/Lkbq6B3aHS4/s1600/IMG_5365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-nVMOyDbVc/VX8UQBa6tKI/AAAAAAABcc4/Lkbq6B3aHS4/s400/IMG_5365.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeremy's grandma and Papa. &nbsp;I got sucked into puzzle completing and I almost went insane because I can't not finish a puzzle. &nbsp;It was missing a few pieces, but it was good quality time on the porch with Grandma and Papa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-My8RX2IO5U0/VX8URyJTlOI/AAAAAAABcdI/Axu5XM1cEs8/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-My8RX2IO5U0/VX8URyJTlOI/AAAAAAABcdI/Axu5XM1cEs8/s400/IMG_5371.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Two grandmas at one time! &nbsp;Yay! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HBLm1cc5Vw/VX8USDZcoII/AAAAAAABcdM/cqOrceQzxgA/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HBLm1cc5Vw/VX8USDZcoII/AAAAAAABcdM/cqOrceQzxgA/s400/IMG_5372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sam participated in this cool competition at our local library, called Battle of the Books. &nbsp;Kids form teams and read a long list of books and then participate in a tournament where they are asked questions from any of the books. &nbsp;Sam's team went pretty far--there were a lot of teams!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnP8ogILDkw/VX8VwljECNI/AAAAAAABcdg/Z7h1oW_Uv2Y/s1600/WP_20150207_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnP8ogILDkw/VX8VwljECNI/AAAAAAABcdg/Z7h1oW_Uv2Y/s400/WP_20150207_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I (along with 85% of the other 4th grade parents) got to "chaperone" Sam's field trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano. &nbsp;The boys ran around haphazardly from room to room, challenging my value of seeing everything in order and reading every sign and properly considering the historical implications of the historical location. &nbsp;I'm still a little confused about the missions, anyway.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLyuGSI0jtg/VX8YVefvjSI/AAAAAAABcf0/dQT-3-sCfjU/s1600/IMG_5177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLyuGSI0jtg/VX8YVefvjSI/AAAAAAABcf0/dQT-3-sCfjU/s400/IMG_5177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJo5S61Wkj8/VX8YVYt5LwI/AAAAAAABcf4/UfckrZ9dsyU/s1600/IMG_5178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJo5S61Wkj8/VX8YVYt5LwI/AAAAAAABcf4/UfckrZ9dsyU/s400/IMG_5178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGRrD5GzIeA/VX8YVtX3JJI/AAAAAAABcf8/xefdjo6FgvU/s1600/IMG_5195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGRrD5GzIeA/VX8YVtX3JJI/AAAAAAABcf8/xefdjo6FgvU/s400/IMG_5195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IPtLjFF-Np8/VX8YWZd6RkI/AAAAAAABcgE/ZeHVkEghTks/s1600/IMG_5196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IPtLjFF-Np8/VX8YWZd6RkI/AAAAAAABcgE/ZeHVkEghTks/s400/IMG_5196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />And other randomness:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYDR2CMCAwg/VX8Vxjct0oI/AAAAAAABcds/OuQWtAQJtf8/s1600/WP_20150307_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYDR2CMCAwg/VX8Vxjct0oI/AAAAAAABcds/OuQWtAQJtf8/s400/WP_20150307_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Triple frosted mini wheats, a reason to celebrate.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5fIT1z4g28/VX8VyA_hMCI/AAAAAAABcd4/198ogVuo9KA/s1600/WP_20150330_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5fIT1z4g28/VX8VyA_hMCI/AAAAAAABcd4/198ogVuo9KA/s400/WP_20150330_004.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Our very own Cinderella!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-U3Jz4cJFc/VX8WSV5RqBI/AAAAAAABceU/3Vd9jJbpQg0/s1600/IMG_5497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-U3Jz4cJFc/VX8WSV5RqBI/AAAAAAABceU/3Vd9jJbpQg0/s400/IMG_5497.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And our very own Annie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSZu1-8fMBs/VX8WSchreoI/AAAAAAABcec/TYcVYOwJ45s/s1600/IMG_5498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSZu1-8fMBs/VX8WSchreoI/AAAAAAABcec/TYcVYOwJ45s/s400/IMG_5498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16bAgZrfzCI/VX8WSfxxs3I/AAAAAAABceY/fyC3UXg2lns/s1600/IMG_5499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16bAgZrfzCI/VX8WSfxxs3I/AAAAAAABceY/fyC3UXg2lns/s400/IMG_5499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzzyBSJ3Xcw/VX8WTVVzD4I/AAAAAAABcek/th7Penlvw3E/s1600/IMG_5501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzzyBSJ3Xcw/VX8WTVVzD4I/AAAAAAABcek/th7Penlvw3E/s400/IMG_5501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnSgxVUAqQU/VX8WTw-PuQI/AAAAAAABce0/tzvoOVjYl7Y/s1600/IMG_5505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnSgxVUAqQU/VX8WTw-PuQI/AAAAAAABce0/tzvoOVjYl7Y/s400/IMG_5505.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And our very own drowned baby possum!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cVAXCdQh9Y/VX8WUJWECjI/AAAAAAABcew/eCf9oJXijB8/s1600/IMG_5548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cVAXCdQh9Y/VX8WUJWECjI/AAAAAAABcew/eCf9oJXijB8/s400/IMG_5548.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />And lastly, the kids (especially Sam), have been bugging me for a pet for 3+ years. &nbsp;Sam is allergic to most fluffy things, fish are kind of boring, slithering reptiles are expensive and forbidden by me. &nbsp;So, I kept putting them off by saying "We are moving, we have students, clean your room," etc. &nbsp;One day, we found a tiny salamander in our pool. &nbsp;We rescued him, named him Steve (Steven for short), and tried valiantly to feed him: crickets, blood worms, and meal worms. &nbsp;He refused to eat, and I was starting to feel conflicted about keeping him (and irritated at how many times we have visited the pet store for more supplies)...when one day we realized he had gotten out of the aquarium. &nbsp;I wondered what had become of him...until we found him shriveled up in a pile of dust bunnies under the kitchen table. &nbsp;Poor Steve! &nbsp;Well, then I was stuck feeling sheepish that I had spent money and bought food for a pet that only lasted 2 weeks. &nbsp;We thought about getting another salamander, since we were already set up for one, but he was kind of boring for the kids because he was nocturnal. &nbsp;I did some research and discovered that Fire-bellied toads eat the same food, require the same aquarium, and were on sale for $6.99! &nbsp;We have two little "frogs" now, and they are perfect for us! &nbsp;They eat all 3 of the foods we already had, are active at all times, can be held but don't move too fast or stink too much. &nbsp;And I really love frogs! &nbsp;I mean, the kids really love frogs! &nbsp;So, meet Billy and Willy. &nbsp;(Who we now have to figure out how to transport all the way to Chicago with us). &nbsp;They have up to a 15 year life-expectancy, so the boys might be taking them to college!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WfbWQy7TpSA/VX8WUjRnYqI/AAAAAAABcfE/R-IJ0H8EpiQ/s1600/IMG_5552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WfbWQy7TpSA/VX8WUjRnYqI/AAAAAAABcfE/R-IJ0H8EpiQ/s400/IMG_5552.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VnDb4Rf4vc/VX8WVAnqo7I/AAAAAAABcfI/XgEBnlAzDa8/s1600/IMG_5554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VnDb4Rf4vc/VX8WVAnqo7I/AAAAAAABcfI/XgEBnlAzDa8/s400/IMG_5554.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OviOQ2Ll-0U/VX8WVYO0TbI/AAAAAAABcfQ/oVyrQuESL7g/s1600/IMG_5556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OviOQ2Ll-0U/VX8WVYO0TbI/AAAAAAABcfQ/oVyrQuESL7g/s400/IMG_5556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-86177904414574751772015-06-16T11:09:00.000-07:002015-06-16T11:09:53.589-07:00When Annie Gets My Camera and an Annie's Hair UpdateI gave Annie my phone to pass the time while waiting for Sam to be done with football practice. &nbsp;Here's the results:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgmdVkh-mW8/VX8udGkCiyI/AAAAAAABc68/aYuBaBRXafA/s1600/WP_20150527_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgmdVkh-mW8/VX8udGkCiyI/AAAAAAABc68/aYuBaBRXafA/s320/WP_20150527_002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpzLHp7honc/VX8udiRNbII/AAAAAAABc7Q/yKXsi9XBecU/s1600/WP_20150527_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpzLHp7honc/VX8udiRNbII/AAAAAAABc7Q/yKXsi9XBecU/s320/WP_20150527_004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4drhwCnZow/VX8ud-7gqpI/AAAAAAABc7M/XdhO56qGSVo/s1600/WP_20150527_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4drhwCnZow/VX8ud-7gqpI/AAAAAAABc7M/XdhO56qGSVo/s320/WP_20150527_005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QT43JnMT0tI/VX8ufGchMOI/AAAAAAABc7U/jb1UChWqIjE/s1600/WP_20150527_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QT43JnMT0tI/VX8ufGchMOI/AAAAAAABc7U/jb1UChWqIjE/s320/WP_20150527_007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqTNBjnSRk8/VX8ufi4MqVI/AAAAAAABc7Y/Y0sHz3DJCB0/s1600/WP_20150527_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqTNBjnSRk8/VX8ufi4MqVI/AAAAAAABc7Y/Y0sHz3DJCB0/s320/WP_20150527_009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love how the pictures capture what is important to her in the moment!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is an update to Annie's hair. &nbsp;You are used to seeing it like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDWBOa9jLW4/VYBiF7IAp4I/AAAAAAABdAo/DvufS0nYsnw/s1600/WP_20150416_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDWBOa9jLW4/VYBiF7IAp4I/AAAAAAABdAo/DvufS0nYsnw/s640/WP_20150416_002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But Annie got a haircut! &nbsp;And it's so cute and looks so much better most of the time! &nbsp;Just no more Elsa braids (but that means an easier life for me!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDgVzmcdoEo/VX8ucXQBzuI/AAAAAAABc60/1aZZD5Fo1Wk/s1600/WP_20150519_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDgVzmcdoEo/VX8ucXQBzuI/AAAAAAABc60/1aZZD5Fo1Wk/s320/WP_20150519_001.jpg" width="179" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1cVnZvvs-c/VX8ucdpFL0I/AAAAAAABc64/0-ojhPaun2M/s1600/WP_20150519_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1cVnZvvs-c/VX8ucdpFL0I/AAAAAAABc64/0-ojhPaun2M/s320/WP_20150519_002.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoCNy93cu2o/VX8ucY-NnII/AAAAAAABc7s/uzDNgFQ-FRM/s1600/WP_20150519_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoCNy93cu2o/VX8ucY-NnII/AAAAAAABc7s/uzDNgFQ-FRM/s640/WP_20150519_003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got one too! &nbsp;My friend cuts hair in her house. &nbsp;We love her haircuts!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this video is just for fun. &nbsp;I am hoping to find Parkour for Annie in Chicago! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxZylSP6fXSQTGQQY4nrwneLh3g4QwPT9A10ygIv4JG89YUDJpKf8cDzb7DyoYKLMcrworQK4A5lWGMOSxQIw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-85831726869455661022015-06-15T10:07:00.002-07:002015-06-15T11:22:31.424-07:00Our Golden Eagles (School Stuff)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyqlTgpcuiw/VX8Nse-D2fI/AAAAAAABcZo/kdiFppDaiaY/s1600/WP_20150604_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyqlTgpcuiw/VX8Nse-D2fI/AAAAAAABcZo/kdiFppDaiaY/s400/WP_20150604_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids were in their 3rd school play; this time it was Alice in Wonderland. &nbsp;The boys were animals (some sort of ninja turtle but not the teenage mutant kind/some sort of furry creature) in the first act and playing cards in the second. &nbsp;Annie was a lovely rose, and then she had the confidence to raise her hand when they asked who was little and could do a somersault, so she became a scene-stealing tumbling hedgehog with all sorts of sass. &nbsp;I wish I had a video of her performance and the audience's delight. &nbsp;All 3 kids did so well, even though Evan threatened to quit a few times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYRnh8A9p18/VV32Ou2_F0I/AAAAAAABcFE/t-DCuybx_SU/s1600/IMG_5197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYRnh8A9p18/VV32Ou2_F0I/AAAAAAABcFE/t-DCuybx_SU/s400/IMG_5197.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFdWWZG5qnk/VV32OwyzKAI/AAAAAAABcFM/68eYnt2Cey8/s1600/IMG_5200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFdWWZG5qnk/VV32OwyzKAI/AAAAAAABcFM/68eYnt2Cey8/s400/IMG_5200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wABLPH-9z8E/VV32Pp3at1I/AAAAAAABcFY/GXmxcA0tIuU/s1600/IMG_5201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wABLPH-9z8E/VV32Pp3at1I/AAAAAAABcFY/GXmxcA0tIuU/s400/IMG_5201.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e46mqFwkcB0/VV32O9psD8I/AAAAAAABcFI/wWrgmOstXGI/s1600/IMG_5199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e46mqFwkcB0/VV32O9psD8I/AAAAAAABcFI/wWrgmOstXGI/s400/IMG_5199.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZLs1YHRIf0/VX714EyHV6I/AAAAAAABcSU/yBdRWdv98lk/s1600/download%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZLs1YHRIf0/VX714EyHV6I/AAAAAAABcSU/yBdRWdv98lk/s400/download%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CT80yz_t-WE/VX714x7EK8I/AAAAAAABcSw/RCbioMBLB-A/s1600/download%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CT80yz_t-WE/VX714x7EK8I/AAAAAAABcSw/RCbioMBLB-A/s400/download%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2hpO1Ar4q4/VX715O1C5cI/AAAAAAABcSY/xvRrpVQGRMU/s1600/download%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2hpO1Ar4q4/VX715O1C5cI/AAAAAAABcSY/xvRrpVQGRMU/s400/download%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVGuymiGMwE/VX715Yqe6xI/AAAAAAABcSg/J8wuUEXcdZM/s1600/download%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVGuymiGMwE/VX715Yqe6xI/AAAAAAABcSg/J8wuUEXcdZM/s640/download%2B%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0J4_PoC7KMo/VX715sVm0MI/AAAAAAABcSk/lVRlo685jnQ/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0J4_PoC7KMo/VX715sVm0MI/AAAAAAABcSk/lVRlo685jnQ/s400/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XU9RzyZmHFo/VV32gK6QotI/AAAAAAABcFs/v6G_vcTf0UE/s1600/IMG_5202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XU9RzyZmHFo/VV32gK6QotI/AAAAAAABcFs/v6G_vcTf0UE/s400/IMG_5202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Sam read the YA version of <i>Unbroken </i>and loved it...he did a presentation in class and got 101%. &nbsp;He made us nervous the night before because of his lackadaisical attitude towards preparing for the presentation, then he nailed it in class. &nbsp;Little (actually not-so-little) stinker. &nbsp;Made me proud. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SlhYycRIeeM/VV32gQ6-pXI/AAAAAAABcFk/qzs5Cd6va7E/s1600/IMG_5207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SlhYycRIeeM/VV32gQ6-pXI/AAAAAAABcFk/qzs5Cd6va7E/s400/IMG_5207.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's wearing my dad's Vietnam-era uniform. &nbsp;Sorry, Dad, he keeps accidentally telling everyone that you were in WWII.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sd4FEZE9P84/VV32wkaZaHI/AAAAAAABcGY/enC8UPFH30M/s1600/IMG_5336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sd4FEZE9P84/VV32wkaZaHI/AAAAAAABcGY/enC8UPFH30M/s400/IMG_5336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam had to make a timeline of Louie Zamperini's life, so he used a world map to show the extent of his "travels." &nbsp;What an amazing life! &nbsp;Sam wanted to watch the movie but we didn't think it would be appropriate, but then I heard an ad on the radio for a family-friendly version put out by Harvest (Greg Laurie) so we ordered it and watched it with some of our students.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OrDNgD2JfTg?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>Sam's presentation was for a program called Golden Eagle University, in which the kids read books of their choosing and complete projects towards degrees: first a Bachelor's, then a Master's and some even completed PhD's. &nbsp;Sam somehow managed to complete a PhD, even though I thought we were going to kill each other during the Bachelor's.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQrMnUnqX7g/VX8ECRB3dNI/AAAAAAABcTk/yY67_nDimI4/s1600/WP_20150310_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQrMnUnqX7g/VX8ECRB3dNI/AAAAAAABcTk/yY67_nDimI4/s400/WP_20150310_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjRL03I_BOI/VX8ECaN04CI/AAAAAAABcTg/An_ukygcOOY/s1600/WP_20150310_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjRL03I_BOI/VX8ECaN04CI/AAAAAAABcTg/An_ukygcOOY/s400/WP_20150310_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bachelor's graduation</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1gLBjNiHYw/VX8ECU6h_-I/AAAAAAABcTo/mDnEPrGQUK4/s1600/WP_20150310_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1gLBjNiHYw/VX8ECU6h_-I/AAAAAAABcTo/mDnEPrGQUK4/s400/WP_20150310_006.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYaIKoqv9Ow/VX8EDOHFAtI/AAAAAAABcTw/z8bwQyLOCdg/s1600/WP_20150310_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYaIKoqv9Ow/VX8EDOHFAtI/AAAAAAABcTw/z8bwQyLOCdg/s400/WP_20150310_007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-epWZTaN2o/VX8Ee2HLCmI/AAAAAAABcUA/zKKhCEIYSRQ/s1600/IMG_5535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-epWZTaN2o/VX8Ee2HLCmI/AAAAAAABcUA/zKKhCEIYSRQ/s400/IMG_5535.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master's and PhD graduation</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSyuUd-BrqI/VX8EehIMjxI/AAAAAAABcUE/704GdaN-i8U/s1600/IMG_5538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSyuUd-BrqI/VX8EehIMjxI/AAAAAAABcUE/704GdaN-i8U/s400/IMG_5538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We got an invitation to an awards assembly at school for Evan a few weeks ahead of the event. &nbsp;This kid keeps us on our toes...a perfect mixture of sweetness and slyness. He didn't know he was getting an award and started having some behavior issues at school, which made me nervous. But thankfully, we made it to the assembly date with no major consequences and he seemed to finish the year well. &nbsp;Phew! &nbsp;It will be interesting to see what his academic career looks like as things get more rigorous...he is very bright but has different academic strengths than Sam. &nbsp;He never once complained or put off doing homework this year. &nbsp;He gets right to it and is very organized. &nbsp;And luckily, he didn't cut any girl's hair in class this year. &nbsp;Hopefully that's behind us. &nbsp;Yep, true confessions!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DwNR3Ce_5XU/VV32gUyYQRI/AAAAAAABcFo/P9gELR4nO6c/s1600/IMG_5211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DwNR3Ce_5XU/VV32gUyYQRI/AAAAAAABcFo/P9gELR4nO6c/s400/IMG_5211.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7s1Av-7Lfg/VV32hcaQi9I/AAAAAAABcF4/H7_p5A4qny8/s1600/IMG_5213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7s1Av-7Lfg/VV32hcaQi9I/AAAAAAABcF4/H7_p5A4qny8/s400/IMG_5213.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan and his teacher, Mrs. Patrick. &nbsp;She has sons, so she likes pesky boys--I'm glad!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Open House at the kids' school, &nbsp;Sam's teacher is so fun...she let the kids turn their desks into covered wagons, use cereal boxes to create an Electric City (complete with working lights), and got funding for a Lego Robotics program that they used all year in class. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncO3YP81GZY/VV32wQau1lI/AAAAAAABcGU/bOLRozMMKdo/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncO3YP81GZY/VV32wQau1lI/AAAAAAABcGU/bOLRozMMKdo/s400/IMG_5333.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO5Cqaj4Qw4/VV32whxkQPI/AAAAAAABcGc/dDEhvUjJ_So/s1600/IMG_5337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO5Cqaj4Qw4/VV32whxkQPI/AAAAAAABcGc/dDEhvUjJ_So/s400/IMG_5337.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjkBKNa86h0/VV32xnWOWDI/AAAAAAABcGo/K5GOJ5KVFVo/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjkBKNa86h0/VV32xnWOWDI/AAAAAAABcGo/K5GOJ5KVFVo/s400/IMG_5339.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was such a gift for the kids to be at their same school this year, even though we moved out of the district. &nbsp;I don't know if I ever shared the story of how, after we moved, I was continually getting a negative response on my inquiries about the likelihood of them getting approved for a transfer, and how I was tempted to just say we still lived with my parents. &nbsp;I decided (i.e. was convicted) to go about it the honest way and just felt so bad that the kids might have to switch schools, knowing that we might be moving at the end of this year again. &nbsp;Well, it got down to the day before kindergarten meet-n-greet and I still hadn't heard for sure. &nbsp;I prayed so much, even telling my close friends, "God can do it, even though it seems so unlikely." &nbsp;I called the school in the afternoon and was told no, and then right before the secretary was going to hang up (which was delayed by me starting to cry), she said (in a surprised voice) , "Wait, the principal wants to talk to you." &nbsp;The principal spoke in a way that made it sound like she knew about our situation and was willing to help, put me on hold, and within 5 minutes, had made a call to the district and got us in. &nbsp;Turns out, my mom had gone to lunch 2 hours earlier and had ended up sitting at the table next to the staff from our school, including Evan's former teacher (who happened to be sitting next to the principal). &nbsp;She asked about Evan and if we had moved and my mom explained our whole situation, with the principal listening. &nbsp;Can you believe it? &nbsp;It was an amazing "coincidence," and we've been thankful for it all year. &nbsp;Each kid seemed to have a class that suited them well--Sam's was so creative and energetic, Evan's was organized and he knew exactly what was expected of him, and Annie's was so sweet--and even though we got in literally the first day of kindergarten, she ended up with her closest friend, Paulina (and she got to continue the legacy of being the 4th person in our family within the last 35 years to be in the same kindergarten classroom).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKYab_KqIIE/VV32x4fIIaI/AAAAAAABcGs/GB1UaIiB2xQ/s1600/IMG_5342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKYab_KqIIE/VV32x4fIIaI/AAAAAAABcGs/GB1UaIiB2xQ/s400/IMG_5342.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The volcano was the highlight of the year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzuhMbJT9gJQKawuAUK7OdiCBdWnepNRdK022UG93lxOl-Y1HZX5TmM9Mv_fU5nyRC3mZ4Ll9K2YnVjmVdrig' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5p_2JXaPVHE/VV32xzoscMI/AAAAAAABcGw/orFlGUePT2Q/s1600/IMG_5343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5p_2JXaPVHE/VV32xzoscMI/AAAAAAABcGw/orFlGUePT2Q/s400/IMG_5343.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie and Mrs. Johnson. Annie loves Mrs. Johnson's beautiful hair and Mrs. Johnson loves Annie's spunky style.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUc9TzVgRTs/VX7_0EgHhbI/AAAAAAABcTM/A8OU4l1E1JM/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUc9TzVgRTs/VX7_0EgHhbI/AAAAAAABcTM/A8OU4l1E1JM/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie and Paulina on a field trip</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MxCg35mWkA/VV32ydiKMMI/AAAAAAABcG8/igcgENT7ChE/s1600/IMG_5344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MxCg35mWkA/VV32ydiKMMI/AAAAAAABcG8/igcgENT7ChE/s400/IMG_5344.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first thing Sam's teacher complimented him on when I met with her recently was how great Sam was doing at being a Big Friend to his kindergarten buddy, Henry. &nbsp;So sweet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oPLbbLozZ5k/VX8XqewSZGI/AAAAAAABcfs/-ikKBesn6go/s1600/WP_20150213_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oPLbbLozZ5k/VX8XqewSZGI/AAAAAAABcfs/-ikKBesn6go/s400/WP_20150213_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">The whole school made paper quilt squares to decorate the MPR for the school's 50th birthday. &nbsp;Most kids had a happy drawing of themselves or themselves with friends. &nbsp;Evan's was a little different. &nbsp;I am wondering if he was told to draw what he thinks of when he thinks of school.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sam's:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gi_yxmFu9uE/VX8HrFSZMYI/AAAAAAABcU0/TPA9zqYIRds/s1600/IMG_5541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gi_yxmFu9uE/VX8HrFSZMYI/AAAAAAABcU0/TPA9zqYIRds/s400/IMG_5541.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Annie's:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPiKxG9FkaU/VX8HsN0ziZI/AAAAAAABcVE/CN-ZCYabw_c/s1600/IMG_5542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPiKxG9FkaU/VX8HsN0ziZI/AAAAAAABcVE/CN-ZCYabw_c/s400/IMG_5542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Evan's:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqEAPgjopUU/VX8HrJekIyI/AAAAAAABcUw/ffahTUKfEmk/s1600/IMG_5540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqEAPgjopUU/VX8HrJekIyI/AAAAAAABcUw/ffahTUKfEmk/s400/IMG_5540.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And lastly, the joy of Spring Portraits. &nbsp;When did this become a thing? &nbsp;We have a tradition of not putting any thought or special preparation into them and seeing how they turn out (and we are shamelessly cheap and don't buy them).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2smnkR1mKGk/VX8GGMnf9FI/AAAAAAABcUU/K-mIlPxurK0/s1600/IMG_5478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2smnkR1mKGk/VX8GGMnf9FI/AAAAAAABcUU/K-mIlPxurK0/s320/IMG_5478.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5N0aakJs6zw/VX8GGDXDyNI/AAAAAAABcUc/-LmDw6_9PZ8/s1600/IMG_5480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5N0aakJs6zw/VX8GGDXDyNI/AAAAAAABcUc/-LmDw6_9PZ8/s320/IMG_5480.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wczYEGxZWR8/VX8GGH_iPEI/AAAAAAABcUY/MisePrGT_QU/s1600/IMG_5503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wczYEGxZWR8/VX8GGH_iPEI/AAAAAAABcUY/MisePrGT_QU/s320/IMG_5503.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471576619661858386.post-86699616502591271322015-05-28T07:33:00.000-07:002015-05-28T07:33:56.311-07:00Things Kaci Can Do Better Than Me<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Thirteen years ago, when we were still on our roll of <a href="http://thesepilgrimdays.blogspot.com/2014/05/14-years.html" target="_blank">celebrating each anniversary in a different city</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">, Kaci and I moved to Kazakhstan. We didn’t just move there to find strange new cities for our anniversaries, although we did do that. We were there to work with college students. We taught English classes and quickly met lots of students. It was easy to start conversations in English with our students, to get through the basic greetings, but it was often difficult to keep the conversations going. We couldn’t understand them. They couldn’t understand us. They couldn’t find the words to say what they wanted to say. We couldn’t get across what we were trying to say. It was tiring.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I had ways to cope, though. I would smile and say, “Oh, ok” to something a student said, assuming (and hoping) it was just a statement that did not require a response from me.&nbsp;&nbsp;When I asked a question but got no response from the student, I made some effort to be understood, but would quickly give up. If I could tell it was hard for the student and I was losing them, I would let the conversation die, telling myself that we at least gave it a try.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">During those early days I came home to our flat one afternoon to find Kaci and a group of girls sitting and talking with each other. As I eavesdropped, I heard Kaci persevere in her conversations long past what I would have done or expected. When she couldn’t understand them, she did not bluff her way through, and she did not allow them to do so either. She made them repeat their words. She re-said what she wanted them to hear in different ways with different words until they understood. It drove me crazy. To my surprise, however, the conversations, and, therefore, the newly formed friendships moved slowly forward. The girls didn’t leave. They stayed. They came back again. More students came.&nbsp;&nbsp;I eventually learned through Kaci’s example to persevere more with the students God brought my way, but to care for them and connect with them through the difficulties of language and culture in the ways Kaci did for two solid years was something I couldn’t do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QZJbL2ekc-A/VWbHz2C1u0I/AAAAAAABcQ0/3hBc47JY0s8/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QZJbL2ekc-A/VWbHz2C1u0I/AAAAAAABcQ0/3hBc47JY0s8/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcT2us2rr4A/VWbH3wMkHsI/AAAAAAABcQ8/1E-Dofk9Z3s/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcT2us2rr4A/VWbH3wMkHsI/AAAAAAABcQ8/1E-Dofk9Z3s/s400/IMG_1183.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaci and some of her girls cooking and talking in our Kazakhstan kitchen</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Since then, I have seen plenty of other things besides language that make it difficult to connect and communicate with others around us. Misunderstandings and laziness in our speech, aloofness, embarrassment, hesitations, and pride all keep us separated from each other. Kaci plows through those barriers with the people in her life with the same care and determination she used with her students in Kazakhstan. That is something she does better than me.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Sixteen years ago, standing in a Wal-Mart parking lot, I told Kaci that I wanted to marry her. It wasn’t the actual proposal. That would happen later. It was me telling her where I saw our relationship going. We had had some conversations earlier that week and agreed to share where we were at with each other that coming weekend. I thought I was pushing things when I jumped the gun by a couple days in that parking lot, but after much prayer and thinking I had finally figured things out! I told her we could still wait until the appointed day to have our official conversation on the matter, but she replied, “No, that’s ok. I know what my answer is now. I’ve known for months.” Kaci has always been way ahead of me in the relationship department. I had wanted to be with her for probably as long as she had wanted to be with me. I just didn’t know it. I didn’t yet see what was happening between us. She knew, though. She saw how close we were becoming. She saw how we were entrusting ourselves to each other and caring for each other. She was also wise enough to wait for me to catch up (with help from her, some friends, and God’s Word). I am having a difficult time expressing what it is exactly that Kaci can do that I can’t, but I suppose part of that difficulty is due to my lack of understanding of what it is she does exactly. She sees things in relationships that I don’t see, or she at least sees them way before I do. When Kaci shares these insights with me, I am often a bit stunned. They sound harsh to me when they concern a difficult situation, or even so clear and final concerning something good. I think to myself, “Let’s just wait and see.” It’s not that Kaci knows the future or employs some psychological theory to predict behavior. I think she just sees what is happening. If an argument is driving two people apart, she sees it driving them apart as it is happening. It usually takes me a few years. I’ll notice that so-and-so and so-and-so aren’t around each other anymore, then remember the huge fight they had, and then wonder if that might have had something to do with it. Also, if Kaci sees forgiveness drawing two people back together, if she sees a tragedy bringing someone grief, or if she sees a victory bringing someone joy, she sees it as it is happening. She is able to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice better than me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7CTxlmJm4Q/VWbH3wXypfI/AAAAAAABcRA/b_Im1J4lrZc/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7CTxlmJm4Q/VWbH3wXypfI/AAAAAAABcRA/b_Im1J4lrZc/s400/IMG_1184.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaci and I dancing together... one of the many clues I missed</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">She also writes better than me. I have written my fair share, and as I get ready to start a PhD, I will be writing a whole lot more. I find my own writings tedious and unclear in places. I have to slow down as a reader and try to understand what was written. It usually doesn’t make sense because I didn’t really know what I was trying to say, or I was trying to say it in some clever or evasive way. (Side note: not really knowing what I’m saying, but nevertheless trying to say it in a clever and indirect way—sounds like I’m ready to start my dissertation!) I always enjoy reading what Kaci writes. She serves her readers well by making herself understood. She seems to know what she wants to say and is courageous enough to say it. I admire her for that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I could say that Kaci throws parties and hosts events better than me, but that would be an insult. That would imply there was some basis for comparison between the two of us in this area. Instead, I will say that Kaci throws parties and hosts events better than most other people I know. She is so completely inefficient when it comes to throwing parties. She would never go for a “party in a box” because the parties she envisions for herself, her children, and her friends could never fit in a box. Some of us put on parties as if the purpose of the party is to get the party over with as quickly as possible, but not Kaci. She decorates and plans activities. She prepares food and works to get everyone fed and satisfied, but she does it all with a higher agenda in mind. She wants to draw people together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGLgVMmWRdI/VWbIXt87-gI/AAAAAAABcRM/gSnViQ_CqyY/s1600/IMG_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGLgVMmWRdI/VWbIXt87-gI/AAAAAAABcRM/gSnViQ_CqyY/s400/IMG_0618.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for one of many great parties we've had this year with international students and friends</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw90QPv3Z_o/VWbIXg-OnWI/AAAAAAABcRQ/DZSkteDqGg0/s1600/IMG_0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw90QPv3Z_o/VWbIXg-OnWI/AAAAAAABcRQ/DZSkteDqGg0/s400/IMG_0843.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the guests at our Christmas party</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Today, Kaci and I celebrate our 15<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;wedding anniversary. Looking back through her blog, I noticed she had written posts on some of our anniversaries. I thought I’d steal the opportunity to write this year. During the early years of our marriage, Kaci and I struggled to figure out how to come together as two separate people, with different personalities, gifts, and desires. Over time, as the intensity of that struggle faded, as we became one flesh, I imagined the two of us were simply becoming homogenous, and that this was the ideal. I now see that God had something more for us. As we have had to die to ourselves in marriage, as we have allowed ourselves to become lost in the other, our distinctiveness as individuals has not been flattened. It has been heightened. This is certainly true of Kaci. She has put my needs ahead of her own countless times over the years. She has selflessly served me. Through her dying to self, through her sacrifices, I did not lose her. I gained her. I do not just have a wife who has become the same as me, who does things the way I would do them. I have a wife who can do so many things better than me, and I am thankful to reap the benefits. I love being at her parties. I love growing closer to others in her presence and building friendships with those she reaches out to. I love having someone who challenges me to say what I mean to say clearly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Happy Anniversary!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Jeremy</div>Kaci Maenoreply@blogger.com1